Alright, so here’s the lowdown, kinda scattered ’cause that’s how my brain works, but trust me, it’ll help. First things first, the box! Don’t just chuck it in the trash like a maniac. Supposedly (and I say “supposedly” ’cause sometimes even the fakes are getting good), the real Valentino boxes have this linen-y texture. And the brand name? It’s gotta be embossed in *red*. Now, is this foolproof? Nah. But it’s a good starting point, like a little appetizer before the main course of authentication.
Next up, let’s talk about the shoes themselves. This is where you gotta get Sherlock Holmes on their behinds. Serial numbers are apparently a thing. I’ve heard that authentic Valentinos have this serial number printed *inside* the shoe, in the same color as the hardware. Now, if you don’t see one? Big red flag, my friend. Like, alarm bells are going off, “Fake! Fake! Fake!”
And speaking of details, glue. Ewwww, glue. No self-respecting Valentino should have excess glue oozing out from anywhere. I mean, come on, they’re supposed to be luxury! If you see globs of glue, especially around the edges or the sole, that’s a major sign something ain’t right. Like, you paid good money for craftsmanship, not a kindergarten art project.
Oh, and those Rockstuds? Yeah, pay attention to them too. I saw this one video where they were talking about the Valentino Garavani text on the tongue tag. Apparently, the fakes sometimes mess that up? I don’t know the specifics, but just give it a good once-over. Make sure the lettering is crisp and clean and not all wonky looking.
Honestly, the whole thing can be kinda overwhelming, right? Like, you’re scrutinizing every tiny little thing. But hey, better safe than sorry. If you’re still not sure, and you’re REALLY paranoid (like me!), you could always take them to a consignment shop that specializes in designer goods. Those folks are usually pretty good at spotting fakes.
