PRADA AUTHENTICITY CARDS - Your Prada should come with two (2) or three (3) cards depending on the material of which the item is made. One is a plastic card about the size of a credit card. The front has the famous Prada logo and the statement “Certificato di autenticita - Authenticity certificate card”. The back of the card has a magnetic strip, just like a credit card. It also has the model number (ART.), the name of the style (MATERIALE), and the color (COLORE). This is all in Italian. For example, BR1594 (ART.), VITELLO DAINO B. (MATERIALE), NERO (COLORE). Notice that this is printed in all capital letters. Below the specifics for the bag is the statement both in Italian and English, “This Prada product is granted a guarantee covering all manufacturing defects”. Below this statement are two boxes or areas for the retailer to place their name and the date of the sale. We’ve never seen a retailer fill this out, however.
The second card is similar to what you might see in a Fendi bag. It’s a thick black paper card with the Prada logo embossed on the front and the same information we described for the plastic card on the back. However, it also has a bar code and the model number followed by a serial number. On some Prada cards there are two bar codes with serial numbers. These two cards come inside a small envelope with the Prada logo and CERTIFICATO DI AUTENTICITA (also in English) embossed on the front.
The third card is not present with all Prada bags depending on the materials with which the bag was made. If your Prada has a third card it is a material care card. It is black as well, is folded in the middle and presents this information in nine Western and Asian languages.
PRADA DUST BAG - The dust bag or sleeper bag with a draw string closure is white cotton with the Prada logo in black printed on the front. A previous version of the dust bag is navy blue with Prada printed in gold.
PRADA PACKAGING - Some Prada bags come in a clear plastic bag with a draw string closure. It has the Prada logo on the front, and a sticker that matches exactly the paper card we described above. It should have the same serial numbers and be set up in the same way as the paper card. Other Pradas will come in a textured white bag with a sticker that matches the interior card.
PRADA LINING - Prada has a very distinct lining design. First off, it looks and feels very elegant. It has rows of the design with the ‘PRADA’ name right side up on one row, then upside down on the next. It will typically come in a color that blends with the exterior of the bag. The interior pockets will be lined with this material as well.
THE FAMOUS PRADA LOGO - The logo states simply, “PRADA MADE IN ITALY”. Again, notice the all capital letters. Most bags will feature the Prada triangular logo plaque on the outside, usually in the center on the front, or on the side of the bag. Some styles will have the logo in the back. You can feel that the letters and symbols on the plaque are slightly raised. The interior Prada metal plaque is typically rectangular and should be attached to the lining on all sides. The main color of the plaque should match or be very close to the color of the lining. The color on the rim of the plaque (gold or silver) should match the color of the hardware of the bag.
THE PRADA ZIPPERS - Prada products will have zippers from one of the following manufacturers or perhaps a combination of them in the same bag.
** Lampo (with and without the signature lightning bolt),
**RIRI,
**Opti &
**IPI.
We’ve seen Prada bags without any identifying markings on the zipper as well. Newer Prada styles have mostly metal zippers on the outside and inside. But don’t be alarmed if you buy an older style that has a plastic zipper.
What we’ve described above are the common features of a Prada bag. Beyond that Prada has made so many different designs that describing the features of each handbag or tote would require its own website. Prada has an array of backpacks, waist totes, laptop bags, and messenger bags.
Some of these styles are made with Vela nylon or Tessuto microfiber which are both of excellent quality. These styles are great for someone who is rough on a bag or will be exposing it to the elements.
The same holds true for testing Prada authenticity as with any other designer. Refer to the general information on the first page of our Authenticity Guide. Look at the stitching, the quality of the zipper, the interior lining, and don’t forget to smell the leather. When you take your new Prada out of its packaging you should instantly smell the leather if that’s its main material.
Kindly note that Not all the characteristics will be present on all genuine bags from the designer due to changes in model designs from country to country, and change in that style from year to year.
