This guide is based on information gathered by another DvF fan who received a fake Diane von Furstenberg, but was experienced and clever enough to spot it. She has documented the differences, so here is what else to look for BEFORE you order! If you are unlucky enough to have possibly received a fake DvF from your seller, this guide can also point out the tell-tale signs that will confirm it one way or another.
In her words: "There is a considerable difference in quality. I knew it the minute I put the fake one on - it did not feel good, it did not feel right - the hem was off-kelter[sic] and it was SUPER duper stretchy. PLEASE BE CAREFUL GIRLS!!!"
So here are the differences to look for in the auction listing:
(1) The two waist sashes that are not the same length on the authentic Denise wrap
The fake Denise has two sashes of equal length. The Denise has an obi-style belt and how can one tie an obi with two sashes of the same length? Duh, counterfeiters!!! Telltale sign #1.
(2) The longer waist sash has a wide section, because the Denise has an obi-style belt
Again, the Denise has an obi-style belt and one can not tie an obi without the actual obi section! Duh again, counterfeiters!!! Telltale sign #2.
(3) The real Denise is one solid piece of fabric down the back and for each panel of the front Like I described in my other guide about the real versus fake Jeanne wraps, the counterfeit DvFs have all sorts of seams along the body of the dress that an authentic DvF does not have! The FAKE Denise happens to have darts in the back of the dress (like the FAKE Jeanne) and darts along the front waist of the dress. Turn it inside out and look for Telltale sign #3.
<-- note that there are also hangstraps and the style tag at the side seam on the AUTHENTIC DvF; you can also see further evidence of the diagonal shoulder seam (telltale sign #4, below) in the photo of this authentic DvF
<-- note that there are no hangstraps nor a style tag at the side seam on the COUNTERFEIT DvF; you can also see further evidence of the straight shoulder seam (telltale sign #4, below) in the photo of this fake
(4) The real Denise has diagonal shoulder seams
The fake ones have straight shoulder seams, and just does not fit the body as well. Telltale sign #4.
<-- note that there are darts in the back panel of the dress on the COUNTERFEIT DvF
(5) And again, the tags of the real DvF silk jersey wraps say "100% silk"
The fakes ones have "100% silk jersey" tag, the tags is the wrong shape (squat, not long) and the typeface is wrong! Telltale signs #5, 6 & 7! You can see if the tag is the wrong shape, even if the seller does not include a close-up photo of what the tag says on it.
REMEMBER:
*Look at the seller's other listings! Even ONE fake item listed is a HUGE RED FLAG!
*If there are no photos or not enough photos in the listing, ask for some.
If a seller refuses to send or show you photos of details that can confirm authenticity, be extra wary!! I bought and sold on eBay for a long time and know it is foolish to (a) not do on research as a buyer and (b) not be helpful as a seller. This is a virtual marketplace, and requests for additional photos is not out of line!
Hope this guide reaches some of you to save you from paying $50, $100 or even $150 for a piece of junk! Feel free to email me for the photos used in this guide, since I know they are not coming through too clearly. Happy shopping!!
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