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MYTH: Authentic Louis Vuitton Never Has Cut-off Monogram

They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery–but trust us, there’s nothing flattering about carrying an imitation Louis Vuitton bag!
  • A common myth suggests that genuine Louis Vuitton items never feature a partially cut-off monogram pattern.
  • FASHIONPHILE master authenticators confirm that cut-off logos are sometimes unavoidable depending on the bag's size and shape.
  • Authentic styles like the Ellipse, Tivoli, and Tulum frequently feature signature logos cut off at the seam or by leather trim.
  • Small leather goods like agendas and wallets also commonly display partially covered or cut-off monogram patterns.
  • Louis Vuitton utilizes three main canvas patterns: original checkered, Monogram Canvas, and variations of the Damier Canvas.

MYTH: Authentic Louis Vuitton never has cut-off monogram

They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery–but trust us, there’s nothing flattering about carrying around an imitation Louis Vuitton bag. However, since Louis Vuitton is the most counterfeited design house in the world, it’s not always easy for the average person to tell the difference between a fake and the real deal. (Which is ironic since the bold, graphic logo was originally created in 1896 precisely to deter counterfeiters)!

Of course, there are the obvious signs: Is the stitching sloppy? Is the inner lining plastic? Then, my friend, you’ve got yourself a fake. But many of the markers of an authentic LV aren’t as obvious. For instance, there’s a myth floating around that a real Louis Vuitton piece will never feature a partially cut-off monogram–but FASHIONPHILE master authenticators will tell you that’s just not the truth.

Here’s the reality: depending on the size and shape of the bag or wallet, sometimes a cut-off logo is unavoidable. We’ve seen this on many real Louis Vuitton items purchased from official LV retailers or straight off the luxury house’s website–for instance, the Ellipse, the Tivoli, and the Tulum styles all have areas where the signature logo is either cut off at the seam or covered by leather trim. The same can be said for small leather goods (think agendas and wallets).

Rachel Parcell aka Pink Peonies (@rachparcell) in a LOUIS VUITTON Monogram Pochette Metis

Fancy a lesson in fake-spotting?

There are three canvas patterns that Louis Vuitton claims as its own: The original checkered canvas with a mark that reads “L. Vuitton registered trademark,” the famous Monogram Canvas, and the Damier Canvas pattern (which has many variations, including Damier Azur, Damier Ebene, Damier Graphite, and Damier Cobalt) with a mark that reads “marque L. Vuitton deposée.”

If this is already enough to make your head spin, leave the authenticating to the professionals. Our FASHIONPHILE team is made up of highly trained luxury experts, so you can trust anything that’s sold on our site. (Just in case, we offer a 100% money-back guarantee. And any site that doesn’t is probably selling you a fake. Just sayin’)!

By: Jessica Dee

Bag-obsessed on a budget