Let’s authenticate my new Céline Tie bag

Hello,

I’m sorry there was no newsletter yesterday, it was a bit of a hectic day with a short flight and a long taxi ride, but here it is today. Thanks to my husband who kindly agreed to help me with photos while I’m away :)

A few months ago I bought this giant black Céline Tie bag for €25. How it often happens photos in the listing were blurry and seller couldn’t provide enough information for me to understand if it’s authentic. But because the price was so low I decided to buy it anyway and check it when it arrives.

So this is what we have: Céline Tie Bag in black smooth calfskin leather in large size (dimensions 40 cm x 27 cm x 23 cm). Original price was around €3500.

Celine Tie Bag came out in Fall 2013 and was an updated version of the Phantom bag which was discontinued later in Spring 2014. It features a flap front which can be tucked in or shown on the exterior and beautiful tie knots on the handles (hence the name). I loved it so much when it came out and I thought it might be a nice travel bag for me. So let’s try to see if it’s authentic and I can keep it!

First thing to check - font or the logo, which I think looks ok.

Then let’s find a serial number (always goes in this format X-XX-#### where letters identify a fabric code, and numbers identify a date code with the first and third numbers representing a week, and the second and fourth numbers representing a year). So we can see that the year is 2013 which corresponds with the model.

Interior of the bag is made from the brown suede, there’s big inner pocket inside and five golden studs on the bottom.

Also let’s not forget about checking all the smaller details like zips and buckles.

And the most beautiful parts of the bag, side wings.

I must add that this bag is quite heavy which is always a good sign for a Céline bag.

And now to my concerns. First thing I noticed was that leather on the side parts was so stiff it was impossible to bend or close using a buckle, but inner pocket is still very soft in comparison. So could it be from storing the bag in the very hot/cold space? Second thing I didn’t like was the way the logo faded. Also it misses a mini pouch but it could be lost or kept by the seller (I see a lot of people selling them separately).

I always try to find a similar bag to compare all of those details, here and here are two bags that look quite identical. But we’re not sure about their origin too.

So what do you think? I have been looking at this bag since June and can’t make up my mind. I believe a lot of you can relate to this - if I’m not 100% sure about authenticity I just won’t wear it. I would really appreciate if you share your opinion in the comments!

Talk soon,

Veronika