Loulou bag by Yves Saint Laurent: how to identify a counterfeit?

A cult bag for over 50 years, the Loulou bag by Yves Saint Laurent is one of the luxury brand's best-known products. Its different sizes and colours mean that this iconic piece can be adapted to a wide range of occasions. This bag is made from 100% smooth calf leather with a quilted effect and a stitched chevron V motif. Nevertheless, as a well-known and timeless fashion item, counterfeiters have seized on its success to replicate this model. Scammers offer replicas of this bag, often at a much lower price than the brand's own, by making you believe that it is an authentic bag. However, the expertise of YSL cannot be equalled. That's why, in this article, we reveal our tips for identifying a genuine Loulou bag from the luxury brand from a replica bag.

The side of the bag :

First of all, pay particular attention to the sides of your Loulou bag. They speak volumes about the authenticity of this luxury item.

The Loulou bag by Yves Saint Laurent is known for its spaciousness. Clearly, the counterfeiters didn't take this into account, as the counterfeit bags have much narrower sides.

There is also a visible difference in the stitching on the side of the bag. On a real luxury bag, the seams are very tight, giving each section a "balloon" appearance, whereas on a replica, the seams are spaced out, giving the bag a flat appearance.

On the left, an authentic bag, on the right, a bag from replica factories

The logo :

Let's now look at the logo on the front of the Yves Saint Laurent bag. This is the symbol of the brand on the bag, so Yves Saint Laurent attaches particular importance to this detail.

The brand's original logo is wider and larger than on a replica, on which it is much narrower. What's more, the material used is different. While counterfeit factories use low-quality metal that is too shiny, the metal used by the couture workshops of the luxury house is matt.

Magnetic closure :

Also check the magnetic fastener on your Loulou bag carefully. It should be engraved with the letters 'YSL'. It's not uncommon for replica factories to forget to engrave these letters.

When it is present, it is badly done, the brand's font is not respected. The letters are too large, whereas on an original Loulou bag, the letters are small and deeply engraved.

What's more, because of the poor quality of the metal, which reflects too much light, the letters are almost impossible to read.

The two images on the left show a fastening from the Yves Saint Laurent couture workshop and the two images on the right show a bag from replica factories.

Curious to find out more about counterfeit luxury bags? Take a look at our articles on the Chiquito bag by Jacquemus, the Jodie bag by Bottega Veneta and the Baguette bag by Fendi.

Inside label :

Last but not least is the label inside the luxury bag. Although it is not directly visible, it is extremely important to examine.

The luxury brand's original label is symmetrical and meticulously stitched onto the surface of the fabric. It is also perfectly aligned, unlike replica labels which are tilted to one side.

It is also interesting to look at the font on this label. The typeface on the genuine Yves Saint Laurent stamp is bold and thick, whereas it is thinner on a counterfeit product.

The inscription 'Made in Italy' is also too deeply engraved on Loulou replica bags.

On the left, a real label from the luxury house, on the right, the same label but counterfeit.

Secure the purchase of your second-hand Yves Saint Laurent Loulou bag with Obvy :

We advise you to use Obvy to secure your transaction.

Obvy is a secure payment platform that helps you avoid the scams that are common in transactions between private individuals. When you make a transaction on Obvy, the funds are only credited to your seller when the buyer certifies that the goods purchased are in order. If this is not the case, you are automatically refunded and the item is returned to the seller.

By using Obvy to carry out transactions between private individuals, you can also benefit from payment in several instalments.