How To Authenticate a Balenciaga Classic City Bag - Circa 2016

14 Jun

The bag above is a Balenciaga Classic City bag. not like mine below which is from the Metallic Edged collection, I wanted to show you the difference.

The great news about trying to spot a counterfeit Balenciaga Classic City bag is that Balenciaga have made so many changes over the years to this style such as: hardware, changing the letters in the serial number every season, changing zips in 2014 and previously using silver - with a 925 in the corner - then switching to silver toned hardware to stamp the serial number *breathe they’ve done a lot* but because of all of this there are a lot of elements you can check with a Balenciaga Classic City bag to help identify if you are being sold a fake. But, it's a lot of information to take in - slightly mind blowing. There are a lot of exceptions to the rules depending on the seasons/style/hardware/size so you really have to do your homework! It is not as simple as one size fits all for all Balenciaga City Handbags.

This bag is probably one of my all time favourite designs. It’s the metallic edge hardware for me - [chefs kiss*]

So let’s go…

PLEASE NOTE THIS IS TO HELP YOU SPOT A FAKE BALENCIAGA CLASSIC CITY BAG (WITH METALLIC EDGE HARDWARE NOT CLASSIC HARDWARE).

[IT WILL NOT HELP YOU WITH OTHER BALENCIAGA CITY STYLES]

1. Serial Number and Leather Tab

-The serial number is located on the underside of the leather tab sewn to the interior pocket.

-The fact that this is on a leather tab and not silver toned plated hardware is our first indicator that this bag is genuine.

-Classic City Handbags with Classic Hardware from this time period will have the authenticity code on silver toned hardware. [Remember, anything post 2008 won't have a 925 stamped in the corner because it's no longer genuine silver]. But, this bags hardware is not classic!!!!

-Whilst this bag looks classic and is called classic on nearly all preloved/circular sites it is in fact from the Metallic Edge Collection released in 2014. Therefore, it is not deemed a classic by Balenciaga and the authenticity code is on a leather tab NOT a silver toned plate.

-The code features one capitalised letter and sixteen numbers.

-The letter indicates the year it was made.

-The format is xxxxxx.xxxx.Letter.xxxxxx

390154 = Style/model code
1000 = Color code (black)
C = Year/season (F/W 2016)
535269 = Internal production/batch code

How the letter corresponds to the year it was made up until 2021

A= F/W 2017
K= F/W 2012
U= F/W 2007
B = S/S 2017
L = S/S 2012
V = S/S 2007
C= F/W 2016
M= F/W 2011
W= F/W 2006
D = S/S 2016
N = S/S 201 I
Y = S/S 2006
E= F/W 2015
O = F/W 2010
Z= F/W 2005
F= S/S 2015
P = S/S 2010
A = S/S 2005
G= F/W 2014
O = F/W 2009
B= F/W 2004
H= S/S 2014
R = S/S 2009
C = S/S 2004
I = F/W 2013
S= F/W 2008
D= F/W 2003
J= S/S 2013
T = S/S 2008

Z = S/S 2018

Y = F/W 2018

X = S/S 2019

V = S/S 2020

W = F/W 2020

U = F/W 2021

-Some of the numbers appear thicker than the others. The first four numbers, the 10th and the last digit.

-Note: Balenciaga have replicated a couple of letters over the years.

-The date code is stamped in gold (Again this is because it is a specific collection - not classic).

-Underneath the code it says MADE IN ITALY and underneath that it says FABRIQUÉ EN ITALIE.

Prior to 2011 'MADE IN ITALY' was lowercase.

FABRIQUÉ EN ITALIE was added to the leather tag back in 2014.

BUT, F/W 2017 season onwards it’s been removed.

2. Always cross reference the code with the back of the interior zip.

-Let’s say for example your bag features the letter 'C'

-The 'C' indicates the bag should have been made in F/W 2016. If that is correct and this is the genuine article the zip should feature a capitalised 'B' on the back. NOT LAMPO/NOT BLANK. This is because Balenciaga changed zips in 2014.

-The 'C' could also represent the s/s 2004 date. However, we know that if this was a 2004 bag it wouldn't exist as the Metallic Collection was release in 2014.

3. Front of the Leather Tab

This will say BALENCIAGA and the second row .PARIS in gold.

Notice the full stop - this is important

The tab is only sewn down by the top edge.

Hardware

1)Zips

-The bag has four zips.

-The bags closure is a double zip.

-All zips have B on the back. Prior to 2014 the zips had Lampo on the back.

-The interior pocket zip is smaller, and does not feature the $ but instead a -

-The larger three zips all feature the $ sign on the zips tooth.

-They all have tassels attached to them. The exterior pocket tassel is long measuring 38cm.

-The remaining three tassels are short measuring roughly 6cm.

2) RIVETS

-Since F/W 2005 the rivets are deeply notched. They go in a good 2mm.

-Replica's usually go wider and shallower.

3) Bale

-The bale is the hardware that attaches the shoulder strap to the gold toned loop on the handbag. It has changed a lot over the years - but a good point to note is on a genuine bag its smooth and rounded. (curvy if you will). But, on a fake it always looks angular and more like a coat hanger.

4)Studs

-The studs are smooth

-Flat on top

-All the same size

Handle

-These are hand braided. (according to the Balenciaga website)

-The braids are close together and uniform. Again, on counterfeits they are uneven and spaced far apart.

Front Pocket

Since 2005, the front pocket is partially lined in leather. When you unzip the pocket you'll only see leather. When you fully open up the pocket and really peer in you'll notice the rest is lined in black material.