I ’m holding a pair of Valentino sandals in pale tan leather with a geometric pattern of pyramid-shaped gold studs on the front. I run my hands over them, inspect the lining and the underside. Then I check the box they came in.
After a few moments of careful consideration I come to a conclusion: “They’re fake.” I’m correct, it turns out. The studs are too large, crude and basically ugly for these sandals to be the genuine item.
The printing on the paper that lines the box is also slightly off. My next challenge is a black bag with a Prada logo on it. The leather is soft and luxurious, and the house’s triangular metal badge looks to be high quality, as does the buckle on the strap.
This must be the real deal. But I’m wrong this time. It’s another counterfeit item.
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