Let’s talk about something close to the heart of any luxury reseller, collector, or conscious shopper, authentication. In 2023, the designer resale industry reached $39.23 billion worldwide, and none of that growth would have happened without trusted authenticators keeping it real behind the scenes [6]. Without them, consumer confidence would vanish, and so would the resale market.
According to Verified Market Research, the global luxury resale market is projected to grow from $16.23 billion in 2020 to $68.53 billion by 2028 [6]. And back in 2019, resale platforms were already growing 25 times faster than traditional retailers [6]. That kind of momentum is only possible when people know what they’re buying is the real thing.
So, what exactly goes into luxury authentication in 2025? A whole lot of knowledge, technology, and hands-on experience. Let’s take a closer look.
Why Counterfeits Are Getting Trickier
Counterfeiting has turned into a global operation. As of 2025, counterfeit trade accounts for $467 billion, about 2.3% of global imports [1]. These aren’t just cheap knockoffs anymore. Today’s counterfeiters use AI and machine learning to replicate the tiniest details of genuine goods [3]. They’re even smart about shipping, often using localized distribution and small parcels to avoid detection [1].
Some of the most shocking changes include:
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AI used to clone intricate brand elements [3]
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A targeted focus on younger, tech-savvy shoppers [4]
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The counterfeit sneaker market increasing by over 1,200% from 2013 to 2023 [3]
These fake items are getting so good, they sometimes pass visual inspections, even by trained eyes.
How Luxury Platforms Are Stepping Up
To meet this growing challenge, resale platforms have been leveling up. The industry is expected to grow roughly 10% annually through 2029 [5], so authentication processes have had to evolve too.
Platforms like The RealReal and Vestiaire Collective now rely on multi-step authentication systems. That includes not only experienced human authenticators, but also advanced tools like AI, blockchain, and NFC technology [6][7]. Some brands are also teaming up with resale platforms to stay involved in the secondhand space, Ralph Lauren has partnered with Depop, and Balenciaga is working with Reflaunt [7].
Trust Is Everything
In resale, trust is currency. Without it, the whole ecosystem collapses. One expert put it simply: “Authentication is not just about verifying products; it’s about building a reputation that sets you apart” [9].
With so many younger, sustainability-focused consumers entering the resale market, authentication isn’t just a perk, it’s expected [4].
8 Expert-Backed Ways Items Are Authenticated in 2025
Here’s how trained professionals and advanced tools verify designer goods today:
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Inspecting Brand-Specific Details
Each brand has its own tell-tale signs. Think quilting alignment on Chanel bags, exact seam placement on Gucci monograms, or the spacing and symmetry of Louis Vuitton logos. -
Evaluating Craftsmanship and Stitching
Luxury items should have precise, clean stitching. Messy seams or uneven threads can be an immediate giveaway. -
Checking Serial Numbers and Date Codes
Chanel has serial codes that correspond with production years. Louis Vuitton recently moved to embedded microchips instead of printed codes [1]. -
Reviewing Materials and Hardware
Authenticators evaluate leather texture, zipper quality, weight of the metal hardware, and other tactile elements. Cheap or lightweight finishes can reveal a fake. -
Using Entrupy’s AI Authentication Tool
Entrupy scans items using microscopic imaging and compares them with a massive database. Their system claims 99.1% accuracy and offers results in minutes [10][15]. -
Looking for Authenticity Certificates or Digital IDs
Some items come with official documents, while others (like Louis Vuitton bags) don’t. Authenticators have to know which brands follow which rules [1]. -
Inspecting Packaging
Real designer items usually come in premium boxes, tissue paper, and dust bags. Low-quality packaging, misaligned printing, or off-color logos are red flags. -
Consulting Expert Authenticators
The RealReal’s authenticators undergo 30+ hours of training [11]. Vestiaire Collective’s team follows a 600-page authentication manual [12]. Most services charge between $10 to $30 per item, depending on speed [13].
How Tech Is Changing the Game
Technology has added a new layer of defense against fakes. AI, blockchain, and digital certificates are changing how we track, verify, and resell luxury items.
AI and Machine Learning
Machine learning is trained to identify microscopic differences in stitching, materials, and branding [14]. Entrupy, developed with help from NYU data scientists, analyzes millions of images to verify items with almost perfect accuracy [15]. The RealReal uses its own tools, Shield and Vision, to scan 50+ product attributes around the clock [16].
Blockchain and Digital Product Passports
Louis Vuitton uses the Aura Blockchain Consortium to issue secure digital diamond certificates that log a product’s entire history, from origin to current owner [1][2].
QR Codes and NFC Tags
Brands like Prada, Breitling, and Panerai now embed NFC tags into their products. These tags are linked to secure databases that buyers can scan for real-time verification [17][18].
Why Human Eyes Still Matter
Even with all this amazing tech, nothing replaces trained human judgment. Experts can evaluate subtle cues, like the texture of suede, the sound of a zipper, or the smell of fine leather, that machines just can’t replicate [16][21].
According to industry expert Graham Wetzbarger, “Someone who knows everything about Bulgari jewelry or Nike Airforce 1s or Supreme T-shirts stands apart” [5]. Many companies also train their staff in-house since experienced authenticators are so rare [5][12].
Final Thoughts
Authentication in 2025 isn’t just a safety measure, it’s the cornerstone of trust in luxury resale. The fakes are smarter, but so are we. Today’s best verification combines cutting-edge technology with time-honored, hands-on expertise.
Whether you’re a collector, investor, or someone who just wants to feel confident buying a pre-loved designer piece, knowing what goes into authentication helps protect your investment. At Taylored Finds, we take that responsibility seriously and work with reputable services to make sure what you see is what you get.
Trust your instincts. Do your homework. And when in doubt, ask the experts.
Note: I will be doing a full series on authentication for each luxury brand I have sold along with tips, history, and more so be sure to subscribe to the blog!
Sources
[1] https://us.louisvuitton.com/eng-us/faq/services/aura-consortium-blockchain-the-lv-diamond-certificate
[2] https://auraconsortium.com/insight/authenticating-luxury-goods-with-blockchain
[3] https://www.forbes.com/sites/solrashidi/2024/09/09/luxury-brands-are-fighting-counterfeits-with-ai-and-computer-vision
[4] https://officialauthentication.com/blogs/news/the-evolving-landscape-of-luxury-consumers-a-2025-perspective
[5] https://www.businessoffashion.com/articles/luxury/resale-sites-race-to-staff-up-in-the-fight-against-fakes
[6] https://officialauthentication.com/blogs/news/resale-value-how-authentication-impacts-your-investment
[7] https://martechvibe.com/article/nurturing-customer-trust-in-luxury-resale
[8] https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/why-luxury-authenticators-now-most-powerful-players-industry-rzcne
[9] https://officialauthentication.com/blogs/news/maximizing-profits-in-the-luxury-resale-market-authentication-as-the-key-to-building-trust-and-reputation
[10] https://www.entrupy.com/
[11] https://investor.therealreal.com/news-releases/news-release-details/realreal-sets-record-straight-its-authentication-process
[12] https://www.voguebusiness.com/sustainability/inside-the-secretive-world-of-luxury-authentication-vestiaire-collective-the-realreal-ebay-stockx-goat
[13] https://realauthentication.com/
[14] https://www.retailtechnologyreview.com/articles/2024/08/24/the-role-of-ai-and-human-authentication-in-retail-on-designer-products
[15] https://www.entrupy.com/luxury-authentication/
[16] https://realstyle.therealreal.com/technology-behind-luxury-authentication/
[17] https://www.packagingtechtoday.com/materials/labels/labeling-trends-the-crucial-role-of-nfc-and-qr-codes
[18] https://www.fashionbi.com/insights/how-luxury-brands-are-embracing-the-digital-product-passports
[19] https://thepurseladies.com/blogs/news/what-goes-into-luxury-product-authentication?srsltid=AfmBOoo8KhbxtCbCDasNUhXV52eTA5YKtHAKFldXxfyGxRBm6jL8pdca
[20] https://milanostyle.com/entrupy-uses-ai-to-fight-luxury-counterfeiting/
[21] https://www.artnews.com/art-news/news/artificial-intelligence-ai-art-authentication-growing-1234716177/
