How to tell an original Alaia from a fake
Unlike many modern brands, Alaia does not chase logo mania. The main value of the brand lies in its unique materials and extremely complex processing techniques, which are almost impossible to replicate outside the brand’s ateliers.
To understand how to spot a fake, you need to look at the brand’s engineering signatures. In this article, we will explain how to identify a genuine Alaia by focusing on the fashion house’s unique technological methods.
Vienne Laser-Cutting Technology
The most recognizable symbol of Alaia is the Vienne pattern, which mimics lace on leather or fabric. This is the main marker for distinguishing an original Alaia from a counterfeit.
The brand uses patented high-power laser systems. In original bags and belts, the edges of each micro-hole are perfectly smooth and clean.
In replicas, the laser often leaves a barely noticeable brownish or yellowish halo on the inner side of the leather or fabric. Running your finger over the perforation, you can feel slight roughness or jagged edges in a fake. In the original, the cut edge feels silky.
Vienne is a mathematically precise grid. In a genuine item, perforation never ends chaotically at a seam. The pattern is always logically complete or symmetrically extends to the edge. Counterfeiters often cut corners, causing the pattern to overlap or break in the middle of a circle.
How a Replica Alaia Dress Differs from the Original
Azzedine Alaïa was called the “King of Cling” for his ability to create bandage dresses, so:
An original Alaia dress is a heavy garment. The brand uses a unique blend of high-density viscose and polyamide. Holding the dress in your hands, it should feel surprisingly weighty for its volume. Replicas are usually made from light synthetic knit that cannot shape the figure.
Alaia fabric has immense elasticity and instantly returns to its original shape. Stretch the original fabric and release it—it snaps back without any deformation. A fake may leave waves or deform after stretching.
The brand has specific knitting patterns, such as raised zigzags or honeycombs. In the original, this texture is very volumetric and rigid—it literally holds the structure.
How to Verify an Alaia Bag
In the accessories segment, the difference between original and fake revolves around hardware and interior finishing.
Most Alaia bags come with a small leather mirror. In originals, the leather frame fits perfectly, and the glass is distortion-free. In fakes, the mirror is often glued crookedly, and its reflection may warp.
Pay attention to the logo. In the Alaia surname, there are two dots above the letter “i.” In genuine items, these dots are small, perfectly square, and spaced at a precise distance. In fakes, the dots are often round or merge into a single line. This is the simplest way to verify Alaia authenticity.
Markings and RFID Technology
Alaia, part of the Richemont group, has begun implementing digital protection methods. To understand how to spot a fake in new collections, pay attention to hidden tags.
On original items, the brand label is made from dense jacquard with very fine weaving. The text “Made in Italy” or “Made in France” should be printed in the same font as the main logo.
Modern bags and shoes have hidden NFC/RFID chips sewn in. With a special app or in an official boutique, they can be scanned to confirm authenticity. Counterfeiters rarely install functioning chips when producing fakes.
Why Choose Domino?
At Domino’s online store, we offer exclusively original Alaia collections. We value our reputation and want our clients to always be confident in the authenticity of the products.
Our team of experts conducts a detailed inspection of each item: we always evaluate knit density, laser-cutting precision, and the correctness of digital codes.
If you want to see in person how to distinguish an original Alaia, contact our consultants. They will gladly show you all the signs of authenticity—from the weight of the dress to the specific shine of the hardware. We value every client and guarantee transparency in every transaction.
Experience the magic of sculptural tailoring with a genuine Alaia. Visit the catalog right now, choose your signature piece, and order with complete confidence at Domino!
