Hermès Birkin

The Birkin's waiting list of 6+ years makes counterfeits enormously appealing. Authentic tells: the hardware is 18k gold-plated palladium (has weight and warmth); the stitching is saddle stitched (2 needles, not machine) — look for slight irregularities; the blind stamp inside confirms year and craftsman. The best authentication tell: Hermès never puts a Birkin in a display window — if you can buy one easily, it's almost certainly fake.