Ultimate Real vs. Fake Gucci Bag Guide – Case Study: Comparing a Real vs. Fake Gucci (Gucci Dionysus Bag)

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Real vs Fake Gucci Dionysus Bag - Ultimate Guide on How to Tell if a Gucci Bag is Real or Fake - Bagaholic 101




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(First published on July 22, 2018)

After the Gucci Soho Disco bag, this section of BAGAHOLIC 101’s “Ultimate Gucci Guide” presents the most popular offering from Alessandro Michele since he took the helm at Gucci.

The Gucci Dionysus bag with its tiger head closure references the myth of the Greek god Dionysus when he transformed himself into a tiger to carry a young nymph across the river, which then became the Tigris river.

Gucci Fall Winter 2015 Ad Campaign Featuring the Gucci Dionysus Bag

Gucci Fall/Winter 2015 Ad Campaign Featuring Gucci Dionysus shoulder handbag

Carried by the fashion-savvy, the Gucci Dionysus launched a thousand knock-offs. With this guide, we will be applying the lessons from our ‘Ultimate Gucci Guide’ series for tips to differentiate between a fake and authentic Gucci Dionysus bag.

Monogram Pattern

Fakes are getting better with their bags. As you can see from the monogram canvas below, they are learning how to line up their GG patterns.

(All photos can be clicked to zoom for more details)

Monogram Canvas Straight Alignment - Real vs Fake Gucci Dionysus Bag - Bagaholic 101

Monogram Canvas Straight Alignment

However, if you look closely upon this Gucci Dionysus medium bag, a few details are amiss. If you run an imaginary line from one end of the flap to another, you will see the cut-off GG on both ends. There’s also 11 set of GG from end to end.

Number of GG on Monogram Canvas

Number of GG on Monogram Canvas

For the fake bag, you can see that it is lopsided. This is one thing you should look closely when buying bags on Ebay. However, admittedly, some fakes do get this right like what I mentioned in other parts of this guide.

Alignment of GG at the bottom of the Monogram Canvas

Alignment of GG at the bottom of the Monogram Canvas

Chain Handle





From the chain handle, it gets easier to distinguish a real and fake Gucci Dionysus bag. Unlike a Chanel bag that is usually intertwined with leather, the chain handle of a Gucci Dionysus will most like dig on your shoulders.

Nevertheless, you will notice that this fake has the links of the chain wrong.

Chain Handle Link Details

Chain Handle Link Details

Chain Handle Link Details

Compact vs Narrow Chain Handle Link Details

There are also some fakes, like the one below, which almost gets the correct type of chain links. However, upon close inspection, you will see the difference in sheen and finish, as the the real Gucci Dionysus’s chain handle will be evenly polished as compared to the finish of the fake one. It even has some “bubbling” of the metal, as if it was not properly cast and cooled off.

Chain Handle Finish

Chain Handle Finish

Dionysus Hardware

As mentioned in the first paragraph, the tiger becomes a recurring motif for Michele. The Gucci bangle below was enlarged and reworked as the distinguishing hardware of the Gucci Dionysus bag.

Vintage Tiger Head Gucci bangle from the 1970s, inspiration of the Gucci Dionysus hardware

Vintage tiger head Gucci bangle from the 1970s, inspiration of the Gucci Dionysus hardware

Going back to the present-day Dionysus hardware, the untrained eye will not see subtle differences. The details on the real Dionysus tiger head hardware are more sharp.

Focus your attention on the top of the head, especially the the 10 “circles” indention on the metal.

Double Tiger Head Hardware

Tiger Head Hardware Detail

Another Comparison of the Tiger Head Hardware Detail

Another Comparison of the Tiger Head Hardware Detail




Aside from the tiger head, you should also pay attention to the details of the diamond on the top of the curved hardware.

Difference of the Diamond Detail of the Tiger Head Hardware

Difference of the Diamond Detail of the Tiger Head Hardware

Another Comparison of the Diamond Detail of the Tiger Head Hardware

Another Comparison of the Diamond Detail of the Tiger Head Hardware

Leather Tag and Serial Number

If you have reached this part from the ‘Ultimate Guide Series’, you know by now that contemporary Gucci bags are using rectangular leather tags with two rows of serial numbers.




It pays to review the anatomy of the Gucci logo (as discussed here) to know how distinct the Gucci font is on all the markings. Nevertheless, as I love a fake parade, let us proceed with a couple of fake Gucci tags and serial numbers we are all familiar with.

Even with those very good replica Dionysus bags on the outside get at least one of the leather tags and serial numbers below:

Fake Gucci Dionysus Leather Tag and Serial Number 493348 362688

Fake Gucci Dionysus Leather Tag and Serial Number 493348 362688

Fake Gucci Dionysus Leather Tag and Serial Number 400235 136028

Fake Gucci Dionysus Leather Tag and Serial Number 400235 136028

Fake Gucci Dionysus Leather Tag and Serial Number 400235 136028

Another Fake Gucci Dionysus Leather Tag and Serial Number 400235 136028

Fake Gucci Dionysus Leather Tag and Serial Number 403343 0202

Fake Gucci Dionysus Leather Tag and Serial Number 403343 0202




Fake Gucci Dionysus Leather Tag and Serial Number 432694 110998

Fake Gucci Dionysus Leather Tag and Serial Number 432694 110998

Fake Gucci Dionysus Leather Tag and Serial Number 400249 6589

Fake Gucci Dionysus Leather Tag and Serial Number 400249 6589

Fake Gucci Dionysus Leather Tag and Serial Number 403348 1368

Fake Gucci Dionysus Leather Tag and Serial Number 403348 1368

Fake Gucci Dionysus Leather Tag and Serial Number 421970 1965

Fake Gucci Dionysus Leather Tag and Serial Number 421970 1965

What about the next one? Well, this is tricky. Have a closer look.

Fake Gucci Dionysus Leather Tag and Serial Number 400249 9527

Fake Gucci Dionysus Leather Tag and Serial Number 400249 9527

For the untrained eye, yes, it might pass as an authentic Gucci bag. But what I have been always telling readers, it helps to get an ensemble of decisions — stemming from several elements of the bag.

The good fake above came with these fake inclusions, with the Controllato card misspelled  as Comtrollato.

Gucci Comtrollato Instead of Controllato

Gucci Comtrollato Instead of Controllato

But this card can always be lost, and/or discarded, right?

But another giveaway is the zipper. If you remember the post on Gucci zippers, particularly on the D-metal head, you will have more evidence that this is not an authentic Gucci Dionysus bag.

Difference in D-Metal Head of the Zippers - Real vs Fake Gucci Dionysus Bag - Bagaholic 101

Difference in D-Metal Head of the Zippers

The following leather tags are from authentic Gucci Dionysus bags. These bags came from several materials (suede, coated canvas, leather, etc.), thus making it difficult to discern on some especially the suede ones.

But if you have already familiarized yourself with the contemporary Gucci tags that Gucci is using, then you will gain more confidence in authenticating your next Gucci Dionysus purchase.

Real Authentic Gucci Dionysus Leather Tag and Serial Number 421970 204991

Real Authentic Gucci Dionysus Leather Tag and Serial Number 421970 520981

Real Authentic Gucci Dionysus Leather Tag and Serial Number 421970 520981

Real Authentic Gucci Dionysus Leather Tag and Serial Number 403348 200047

Real Authentic Gucci Dionysus Leather Tag and Serial Number 403348 200047

Real Authentic Gucci Dionysus Leather Tag and Serial Number 448075 204991

A lot of Gucci styles are as popular as the Dionysus these days (such as the Padlock and the Marmont). More guides for Alessandro Michele’s bags will be available soon.

The alarming part is — I have encountered fake Dionysus, Marmont and Padlock bags getting the leather tags and serial numbers, right? Scary, huh?

That’s why I suggest having these professionally authenticated at Bagaholic 101. These bags don’t come cheap, and even the super fakes cost a fortune. For a minimal $5 fee, you are sure to receive timely authentication, even before you even finish pronouncing “Frida è partita, ed Alessandro è arrivato” ten times.

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‘ULTIMATE GUCCI GUIDE’: CLICK A SECTION




67 Comments

  1. My grandmother just passed away and she had 2 Gucci bags. I am trying to figure out if they are real or fake. I have taken pictures. I was wondering if you could help me.

    • Hi Shira, first of all, I am sorry to hear of your family’s loss. My sincere condolences.

      As for the Gucci bags, you may upload the photos on Imgur or Tinypic and post the link on the comments.

    • Hi Shira! These are beautiful vintage Gucci bags! The vintage Gucci Bamboo Top Handle and the Gucci Web Stripe with Diamante lining are both authentic!

  3. Hi, I shopping for the gucci dionysus small taupe bag. Was wondering if i can send pictures of bags from 2 sellers to authenticate before i proceed with purchase foryour help with authentication. Thanks in advance for all your help.

    • Hi Sandra! Please upload photos on Imgur or Tinypic and paste the links here for me to check. Cheers!

  4. I have a large vintage suitcase that I would like to get authenticated. I have read your website which is fantastic but mine doesn’t seem to fall into it the serial number is one straight line. Does that rule it out from being an authentic Gucci? The bag is nice heavy I cannot imagine someone filling it up and carrying it. If it is authentic I would would like to sell it. Any help would be appreciated

    • Hi Trish! Sorry for the late reply. This ended up in my Spam folder. This suede Gucci bag with serial number “95107 002058” is authentic. Cheers!

  6. Hi Bagaholic ! I came across your blog while I was trying to figure out if my second hand purchased Gucci Dionysus suede bag is authentic or not. People were claiming the bag is fake because the logos on the tag is very blurry? Compare to the authentic tags. And I do agree since it does differ from my other authentic Gucci purse I own. But other than the tag, all the other details that’s were mentioned ( zipper head, hardware, chain) are all identical to the authentic one on your post. Can you please take a look into the photos ? Oh and I also called the Gucci store the seller claims to purchase the bag. And the store confirmed the customers name phone number and purchased model.

    Thank you so so much in advance !

    https://imgur.com/a/U8NRRCQ

  7. Hi There! i am super hesitant to buy this bag off of eBay – can you tell me if this is real??? I am getting mixed reviews that it’s real and fake!

  8. Hi there! Can you tell me if this dionysus bag from eBay is real?? I am concerned and a little worried about buying off of eBay because there are so many bad fakes!

    • Hi Stephanie! In my opinion, this Gucci Dionysus in Supreme Canvas with serial number “403348 525040” is authentic.

    • Hi Maria! I need clear photos of the serial number. So far, I am not seeing red flags, so best to see this to be sure. Cheers!

    • Hi Leigh! For this free Gucci bag authentication, I will be needing clear photos of the Gucci bag, especially the Gucci marking inside the bag. Please upload on Imgur or Tinypic, and put the links in your comment. Cheers!

  13. Hi and thanks for your awesome information. I was hoping to get an opinion on the serial numbers printed into the actual leather – two rows of numbers printed in a straight line. I am looking to buy a second hand Dionysus Blooms wallet on chain and also the mini bag in this same print. Both of these have the imprinted logo. Do you have any insight or would you mind taking a look? I am looking at two options and one has two 6 digit numbers and another has a 6 plus 4 digit number.

    • Hi Barbara! For this free Gucci bag authentication, I will be needing clear photos of the Gucci bag, especially Gucci marking inside the bag. Please upload on Imgur or Tinypic, and put the links in your comment. Cheers!

  14. Hi Bagaholic!
    I received this bag on Ebay and it looks really good but the only thing that worries me is the key ring (print seems shallow but I don’t know how consistent Gucci is) and maybe the gap of leather below the stitching which is located under the serial number. Could you please help me authenticate? Thanks!

    https://imgur.com/a/YOjAekt

  15. Hey, dude
    why u can’t legit my bag? 🙁 it’s really sad. answer me, please
    Im trying to authenticate for 3+months..

  16. Hello I want to purchase a Gucci Dionysus bag on eBay. But I’m not sure if it is authentic.. can you please help me out thanks! Also I do not know how to upload photos can you tell me how to do that thanks!

    • Hi Sarah! This Gucci Dionysus bag in supreme monogram canvas with serial number “400249 525040” is unfortunately fake.

    • Hi Marci! For this free Gucci Dionysus bag authentication, I will be needing clear photos of the Gucci bag, especially the Gucci marking inside the bag. Please upload on Imgur or Tinypic, and put the links in your comment. Cheers!

  18. Hello, I receive a Gucci dionysus bag and wanted to know if it is authentic. I tried using your write up as a comparison but I am still a bit confused. The serial number says alone are throwing me off as they are 6 at the top and 4 at the bottom. Can you take a look? 403348 1000 is the serial number

    • Hi Samantha! For this free Gucci bag authentication, I will be needing clear photos of the Gucci bag, especially the Gucci marking inside the bag. Please upload on Imgur or Tinypic, and put the links in your comment. Cheers!

  20. Hi BAGAHOLIC101,

    I just purchased two Dionysus brown leather bags with embroidered flowers from an online store. I purchased two to compare the embroidery and see which I like best since I noticed that there is unevenness of the placement and stitching of the flowers.

    Upon reading your blog, I started with the chain. On one bag the feel is smooth and even. On the second bag it is rough and feel tarnished or rusted. Neither chain is high polish your your examples.

    For one bag I was able to photograph the serial number, which is stamped a bit crooked on the back (403343 498879) of the leather tag but for the second bag, the leather is too thin and you can barely make out the trademark, GUCCI and Made in Italy on the front. So no serial number for that one. Or I can’t make it out. Question, do new bags from the 2017/2018 collections have two rows of 6 numbers?

    Next is the stitching and the glue along the edges. The top of the stitches is cotton thread and the back is nylon and scratchy. I am thinking it is made this way because it is leather. Is this possible?? I am surprised that Gucci would manufacture such quality. If you are wearing silk or soft wool, I am certain it will catch. There are also some areas where the stitching is uneven.

    As far as the edges and black glue, one side will be smooth and thin while the other side of the bag is razor sharp or the leather is thicker. Again, it does not feel right.

    Perhaps just writing about it and by describing the less than perfect details I have answered my own question. Hopefully my post and pics can help someone else. My gut is telling me that they are both fakes! Please have a look at the two bags and the one serial number I have provided. Too bad that the Gucci stores no longer carry this style. Nordstrom and Neiman had it but they have sold out.

    Lastly, if counterfeiter can make a fake what stops them from stamping real serial numbers? When I tried to look up the serial number above, it brings me to belts.

    Thank you for your help and for educating the public. This is an awesome guide!

    • Hi Barbara! For this free Gucci bag authentication, I will be needing clear photos of the Gucci bag, especially the Gucci marking inside the bag. Please upload on Imgur or Tinypic, and put the links in your comment.

      I agree on your points, and some counterfeiters are getting really, really good with their fakes. As such, it is not enough to just study the serial number but one must also look at as many details as possible.

    • Hi Nam! All comments are under moderation to prevent spam messages. For this free Gucci bag legit check, I will be needing clear photos of the Gucci bag, especially the Gucci marking inside the bag. Please upload on Imgur or Tinypic, and put the links in your comment. Cheers!

  22. Hi I would like you to help me check the autgebtif a Gucci Dionysus bag before I buy seller also doesn’t know if it’s real as it’s was a present

  23. Hi Bagaholic101

    This is my first Gucci bag I bought it from T.J Maxx. I read that people sometimes buy the real bags from there and return a fake so I am a bit worried. I compared the bag I received to pictures of the bag on Nordstrom.com and Gucci.com and I see the bottom of my bag is not the same as the one they have shown. If you can please authenticate it I would really appreciate it =]

    https://imgur.com/a/wXiM1Qz

  24. Hi, Greetings from Hong Kong! Found this site very helpful and I have been reading everything even the comments just to get an idea and comparison if the Gucci Dionysus Bag I would like to purchase is authentic. Hope you could help me authenticate if it’s real or not. Really appreciate it! Many thanks.

    Here are the detailed pictures

    http://i63.tinypic.com/1e2e7q.jpg
    http://i68.tinypic.com/11lkjkk.jpg
    http://i63.tinypic.com/1z6fpqr.jpg
    http://i63.tinypic.com/23vgw49.jpg
    http://i65.tinypic.com/n2kbvk.jpg
    http://i67.tinypic.com/2m2tjwz.jpg

    Thanks for your help, really appreciate it. Best regards!

  25. On mamas! I literally just found this purse stuffed inside of a huge Walmart tote bag and both bags were filled with random women’s bathroom products and left rt next to the dumpster at my ghetto studio apartment complex . I got the impression that someone passed away and that is how items ended up next to the dumpster. Im on game with brand recognition and I do buy and sell a wide variety of designer items online which led me to believe and automatically think that it was fake AF. After doing my due diligence I wanna say it’s authentic but I’ll leave it up to the pro. Thanks for your time

  27. Hello, Thanks for a great guide. Looking forward to a guide for the Marmont bags.

    • Hi Eva! You’re welcome! I am currently compiling material for Gucci Marmont bags. Watch out for it!

  29. Hi, does the Gucci woc dionysus have serial number? I saw online some with it and some without. Thanks!

  30. Hi there,
    I buy Dionysus GG Supreme super mini bag on Poshmark with the series numbers 476432950130, is that real or not? Thank you.

  31. Hi I just recently found a Gucci purse from my grandma’s passing and was wondering if it’s real?

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