‘Authentic’ Chanel 5018 half tint sunglasses, a highly sought-after fashion item for those in the know, have been selling on online shopping sites like ebay for as ‘little’ as AUD$500.
Real Chanel 5018s (like those pictured on an Olsen) go for upwards of AUD$1099, which anyone selling these glasses would know… However, it’s likely your customers may not.
Sometimes it can be hard to tell the difference between an original brand and a fake, especially if your customer is buying online. Here’s how to spot a fake.
- Pricetag: Because this style was released in a limited quantity and sold out the second they became available, anyone asking less than AUD$1,000 will definitely NOT be selling originals.
- Attention to detail: Pay close attention to the curves of the arms and also the small logos on the outer temples of the arms. The Chanel logo for instance will not be as detailed and prominent on a fake pair and the arms will not be as curvy as the originals.
- Inscription: On Chanel sunglasses you normally find the style number and ‘Chanel: Made in France’ inscription on the inner arms near the temple area. But for the limited edition 5018 style, Chanel put the inscription at the tips of the arms. Counterfeiters usually do not get this right, placing the inscription at the temple area like all other Chanel styles.
- Tint: the gradient between the tinted and clear area of the lenses will be very subtle… Fake 5018s often have a very pronounced line, or the fade is not as delicate.
The problem with the original Chanel 5018s is that they are incredibly difficult to locate. So if you have a customer who is not happy with a pair of knock-offs, why not suggest the Ksubi “Bellatrix” sunnies as an attractive alternative?
The two-tone Bellatrix frames are part of Ksubi’s Book Club line; and while they have a similar look and upmarket feel to the Chanel 5018s, they are only a fraction of the price and significantly easier to track down.
