Authentication
At Fashionistaway
AUTHENTICITY IS AT THE CORE OF WHAT WE DO
Authenticity begins with knowing the pieces we handle. Our in-house team draws on years of experience with designer goods, paying close attention to the materials, construction, hardware, markings and characteristics associated with the brand and piece.
Our process takes place in three stages, beginning with a preliminary photo review before the item reaches us, followed by physical examination and a final review by our Lead Authenticator. The final decision is made by people who have handled the item — not by an automated scan or photograph.
Phase 1
Picture Authentication
Before meeting with a seller, we request detailed photographs of the item from specific angles. Our in-house authenticators review the details, construction, markings and overall condition to identify obvious concerns before proceeding to physical authentication.
Items that pass this initial picture authentication are then physically examined by our team.
Phase 2
Physical Authentication
Items that pass the first stage are physically examined by our in-house authenticators. We assess the details relevant to each piece, including its colour, construction, leather texture, materials, hardware, stitching, markings, engravings, scent, weight and other brand-specific characteristics.
This hands-on examination allows us to assess details that cannot be fully understood from photographs alone.
Phase 3
Final Authentication by our lead authenticator
The final phase is a physical review by our Lead Authenticator. The item is examined again together with the findings from the earlier stages, providing a second in-house assessment of its authenticity and condition before it is approved for sale.
Only items that satisfy Fashionistaway’s authentication standards are accepted for sale. If there are details we are not confident about, the item is not offered through Fashionistaway.
All our authentications
Are done solely by our in-house authenticators
We take authenticity seriously, which is why we do not rely on AI authentication devices or outsource the authentication of the products we offer for sale. Every item is physically examined by our experienced in-house authenticators.
Luxury authentication requires more than photographs, scans, or algorithms. AI does not have the human senses required to physically feel materials and construction, assess texture and weight through touch, detect scent, listen to the movement and sound of hardware, or apply the experienced human judgement developed through years of handling authentic luxury goods.
At Fashionistaway, physical human authentication is a fundamental part of our standard. Our authenticators examine the materials, craftsmanship, construction, hardware, markings, ageing characteristics, and other brand-specific details relevant to each item before it is approved for sale.