Aha! From September 2007
I love how "recent" in this guide now refers to something from 10+ years ago.

Guide #1: Tips on Identifying Counterfeits

I hope to ensure that the Diane von Furstenberg that you buy is the authentic, high-quality, gorgeous piece that it should be!

I do not represent the brand in any way and this guide is based on personal experience as a collector and buyer of these wonderful clothes.Disclaimer: This guide is written without the permission or authority of DvF and they can not vouch for the information contained herein.

I am a DvF-focused personal shopper and buy directly from the DvF shops for my clients, so I am up-to-date on each collection and can spot fakes on eBay very quickly. Let's be clear: I do not work for DvF and am not associated with Diane von Furstenberg Studios LLP or DvF herself , but I am a personal shopper who buys mainly from this designer for my clients. This guide is based on my extensive experience buying DvF and include tidbits and tips I have learned from the DvF shopgirls.

DvF makes sizes US0 through US14 for the Ready to Wear line and her boutiques are located in NYC, Miami, Los Angeles, London, Paris, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Antwerp, Brussels, Tokyo, Jakarta and St. Tropez. Madrid and Moscow to open Fall 2007!

How to Spot a Counterfeit DvF

I have found that DvF is rather predictable and structured about when/if/how their clothing goes on sale. If something just arrived in shops, it will NOT go on sale for some time. Stylists, media/fashion insiders and personal shoppers are occasionally extended discounts, but not usually of more than 10 or 20%; that's about the only way to get a recently-arrived DvF at below retail unless the item is a one-off from a photo shoot, runway show, movie set or PR event. If an item reaches sale season, anywhere from 8 to 12 weeks after it arrives in shops, the first mark-down is usually 30% off. Then if it is still around weeks later, it may be marked down to 40% off the original price; unfortunately, very few DvFs last that long in the shops because they're just too popular! Thus, first thing to note is that [1] if an item currently in shops is offered for a lot lower than its retail price, it is probably too good to be true. Unless you are buying something from a previous season, it can not realistically be so much lower than the DvF shop price. If someone receives a DvF as a gift but can not wear/return it, then it might get listed on eBay at a very low price -- that's a one-off type of listing and fabulous find for you!

By contrast, [2] counterfeit sellers usually offer several of the same item but only in sizes 2, 4, 6 and 8; I have not seen many fake 10s, 12s or 14s on eBay yet. Most counterfeits thieves will either copy the cut of a DvF dress and make it in a similar print OR they will use real DvF fabric but make a similar-looking item. They're getting more brazen yet clever with the copies, so be alert!

If you know your DvFs well, ask for photos of the actual item from the seller and look for [3] telltale signs:

• material: compare print and fabric content to the actual DvF item found in a reputable shop --authentic silk jersey items by DvF say '100% silk' on the tags whereas the fakes have '100% silk jersey' on their tags!
• detailing: look at the trim, buttons, cuffs and compare to the real DvF item
• tags in two areas:
  [1] DvFs from circa 1997-1999 have the large white-on-black Diane signature tag. Around 1999 or 2000, she changed to the black-on-white typed DIANE von FURSTENBERG tag found on items you see these days. DvF's reissued vintage items have a large pink Vintage script on the tag and they recently added a pastel, typed MATERNITY on the tags of the Maternity collection items.
  
  [2] If made in China, Korea or Poland, the fabric content tag is usually a white tag at the neckline with the size written on it.
  
  If made in the US, the tag at the neckline is usually a small square at the neckline, either black or white, and indicates just the size. The fabric content will be on a larger tag inside the dress, along the side seam.
    
    (this last tag is from the Clia and happens to note the style name)
  EXCEPTION: Silk jersey wraps from the 2006 Resort Collection had a slightly different fabric content tag: these are longer, 2.5cm x 1cm, and printed instead of the previous 1cm x 1cm stitched tags.
  
• cut & detailing: Julian and Jeanne wraps from 1997-2000 were usually made with a seam at the waist, but recent Julian and Jeanne wraps do not have that seam; Julie wraps still do have a waist seam to this day. The body of Julian and Jeanne silk jersey wraps from post-2000 are one solid panel in the back, one solid panel on the left, and one solid panel on the right. The Clodhall, a classic halter wrap by DvF, has a double-button detail at the back of the neck. The wool Revolutionary Duenne wraps have antiqued brass buttons. The Taffy is fully lined through in the torso, except sleeves, and skirt. These little details can make the difference!

Most of the time, DvFs have a [4] little 1cm x 1cm white tag inside at the side seam which indicates the name of the style of the item. Not all DvFs have this, though; the wool and rayon items do not always have this feature and items from the DvF showroom or design studio will not have this either. However, many DvFs do have this and it helps you identify the style name. I have not seen this little tag on the fakes yet.
Since 2007, more and more DvFs have their tags sewn with the ends folded at an angle to the dress material, instead of sewn flat.  While some authentic DvFs will still have flat tags, the tag sewn at an angle make is more likely that the item may be authentic, though still not a surefire indicator (see my Guide Part 5).

A few other rules:
[5] Many counterfeit sellers ship from Asia. A $20 domestic shipping fee for an item supposedly shipped from another US state is often a tip-off that is ships from Asia. Sometimes, a seller will just charge higher shipping to offset a lower selling price, so high shipping is not always an indicator of a fake.
[6] Most counterfeiters have eBay IDs registered in Asia, including Australia. The tricky thing is that fraud sellers have created US-based and UK-based eBay IDs now. Note that not all Asian sellers offer counterfeits and not all counterfeit sellers are based in Asia.
[7] Be wary of private auctions. Counterfeit sellers do this to prevent people from contacting their bidders to warn them that the auction is for a fake DvF. Also, private auctions enable the seller to create dummy users to bid up their own auctions. Again, not all private auctions are run by scammers, but look for this in conjunction with other red flags.
A seller's feedback is not a good predictor of authenticity because a lot of buyers do not know the difference between a real and fake DvF! [8] It is generally safer to buy from DvF specialists: There are a core group of reputable sellers who have been offering DvF on eBay for quite some time. Seasoned veterans are more likely to sell the real thing and KNOW what the real thing is supposed to be, so that we don't get tricked into selling fakes. Look at the seller's feedback to see if it is for mainly DvFs. Feedback for other high-end labels are a better sign than if the person has feedback for other oft-counterfeited brands, like BCBG, Chloe, Cacharel and Mark Jacobs. Also, repeat business, especially from DvF fans and collectors are a sign that the seller probably knows her/his DvFs!

Examples of recent counterfeit DvFs on eBay:

• 2004: counterfeit Healing Garden cotton dresses. The print on the dress was NOT the same as the real DvF dress.
• Early 2005: counterfeit Hilda wraps, Bosphorous Attica wraps & Eli dresses. The fake Hilda had a similar-looking print, but a close-up could confirm big differences. The easier tip-off to spot was that the counterfeit had a cotton lining while the real dress was 100% silk without a lining! The Bosphorous Attica was totally the wrong color with too much teal in the print, and you could tell because all the photos were doctored.
• Mid-2005: counterfeit Leopard Brown print wraps in short sleeve and halter versions. The tags were tip-off #1: they were the large Dianesignature from the 1990s so could not be 'current season' as sellers claimed. DvF had indeed released the Leopard Brown in a vintage reissue in 2004, but offered only the long-sleeve Jeanne style; a quick call to the DvF shop verified that the Leopard Brown was not made in the short-sleeve or halter styles in recent years.
• Late 2005: counterfeit wool items such as Alonzita ('seamed dress'), Duenne wraps, Revolutionary Duenne wraps, Boka wrap and Thea dress. The biggest tip-off was that the size tags at the neckline: real wool DvFs were all made in the US and should have black size tags. The counterfeits' tags were white and indicated a lining, but DvF's wool items are not lined! The Revolutionary Duenne even had very ugly, cheap buttons.
• Early 2006: counterfeit Taffy, Fariba, Antonio, Sundial Justin, Twig Roberto, Tie Dye Julian, Rubix Jeanne, Marble Paper Dasha, Cupid Zhivago Svetlana, and pieces from the 2006 La Dolce Vita Collection. The real Julian wraps should NOT have the seam at the waist and you can see that the prints are all a little bit different than the real thing. The current season wraps wraps are NOT made of chiffon (except for Cupid Svet) nor cotton (except for Roberto). The ugly plastic button on the Svetlana give them away as being fakes. The Taffy is not available in black and should be fully lined. The color spots on the Tie Dye should have uneven edges, not smooth bubble edges! And just because the Anita dress was made in cotton does not mean that the Julian was. I see the counterfeit sellers trying to justify why their items are a little different from the real thing, but please go with your instincts and avoid the auction if the answers don't feel quite right
• Fake Clia wraps just showed up on eBay and are totally ugly and wrong, compared to the real thing. The Clia should be stretch corduroy, so 98% cotton/2% elastane AND the buttons are flat, brass-finish metal buttons, not those hideous plastic fake-gold buttons you see on the cheap imitations.
• Check my follow-up eBay guide (Part 2) for an continually updated list of the most recent counterfeited items found on eBay: https://reviews.ebay.com/List-of-the-latest-DvF-wraps-how-to-spot-a-fake-part-2_W0QQugidZ10000000000949772

Since I am not any sort of licensed expert, I do urge you to contact any DvF shop if you have questions about what the authentic item should look like. If you know the print & style name, the shopgirls can likely verify for you what the tags, detailing, color and cut of the real thing is actually like so that you can feel better about the item you want to bid on. The shopgirls are often busy since DvF is such a popular shop, so be prepared with specific questions (see tip #3 above) for your comparison.

ALWAYS REPORT A COUNTERFEIT ITEM to eBAY!!!

Report suspected counterfeit sellers to eBay and especially if you receive an item that you KNOW is fake! Burberry recently set up a sting operation to catch sellers of counterfeit Burberry on eBay, and they would not have been as successful catching the thieves without the help of people who received and reported the fakes. **It is not a crime to buy a counterfeit, but it is a crime to sell counterfeit items.**

I am a huge DvF fan and collector and it saddens me to see the fakes proliferating on eBay. If someone's first DvF experience is with a counterfeit piece, they may never buy DvF again, so I hope this guide can help prevent that. I also hope that this guide will help other dedicated DvF fans avoid the fraudulent pieces; I have heard from many disappointed buyers who were hoping for a deal, but instead received a shoddy, unwearable rag. It is not always worthwhile to get what seems like a deal if what you get is ill-fitting, poorly cut, poorly finished or just plain ugly! DvFs retain their resale value very well, so you don't always get a bargain just because you pay less.

Feel free to email me (eBay ID: DvF!) or visit my DvF blog-shop (dvfs.blogspot.com) to find out more about DvFs and my personal shopping services. I can try to help you find specific items you are looking for and list it on eBay for you, so feel free to email me with any requests.

Happy shopping!

More guides I wanted to save&share before eBay deletes them all.  Also from 2007:

Guide #2: Tips for Spotting Counterfeits, Part 2

I do not represent the brand in any way and this guide is based on personal experience as a collector and buyer of these wonderful clothes.Disclaimer: This guide is written without the permission or authority of DvF and they can not vouch for the information contained herein.

I am a DvF-focused personal shopper and buy directly from the DvF shops for my clients, so I am up-to-date on each collection and can spot fakes on eBay very quickly. Let's be clear: I do not work for DvF and am not associated with Diane von Furstenberg Studios LLP or DvF herself , but I am a personal shopper who buys mainly from this designer for my clients. This guide is based on my extensive experience buying DvF and include tidbits and tips I have learned from the DvF shopgirls.

Since my original guide (https://reviews.ebay.com/How-to-spot-fake-Diane-von-Furstenberg-dresses-on-eBay_W0QQugidZ10000000000127757) has apparently helped so many people, here is a bit more info on the latest DvF collections.

How to Spot a Counterfeit DvF Part 2

Too many fakes that I can barely name them all in this one guide! Aside from the dresses (e.g. Laundry, BCBG, Nanette Lapore) falsely listed as Diane von Furstenberg dreses, there are actual COUNTERFEIT COPIES of real Diane von Furstenberg styles and prints. Here's a quick summary:

Items from the most recent 2007 Collections which have not yet gone on saleDo not expect to find lots of these for much less than retail yet. More or less, expect to pay at least $250 to $465, plus sales tax where applicable.

**A very observant DvF fan noted that the authentic NEWER DvFs (ones most often counterfeited) have hang straps at the armpits (the ribbons that keep a dress from slipping off the hanger). I have noticed that the fakes wraps are missing these straps! Older DvFs dresses tend to not have these, but the stuff from newer collections in the last two years, even samples, will have them. I have also heard that the back of the typed "diane von furstenberg" label has all the black threads showing on the fakes, while the authentic tags are mainly white.**

DVFs THAT HAVE BEEN COUNTERFEITED (^ indiates Vintage Reissue and are the only ones that should have the pink Vintage script on the tag)This is not a comprehensive list, but it covers a lot of what you will see. Please just be EXTRA careful when purchasing anything on this list because a lot of fakes of the following up on eBay:*Large Scattered Stone Navy Edison
*Large Scattered Stone Navy Tarelle -- Tags should NOT say 'silk jersey'!
*Large Graphic Ginkgo Neptune St. Jude -- print is too large
*Ladybug Celosa -- cut is wrong, fabric is wrong
*Anthropod Celosa -- print is wrong, different from the authentic wrap; cut is also wrong
*Half Moon Khaki Denise -- cut is totally wrong, fabric is cheap imitation, tags are wrong: should be 100% silk and NOT "silk jersey"
*Large Scattered Gingko Navy Jessica -- print is too large
*Large Scattered Gingko Kelly Avara -- print is too large
*sleeveless halter Svetlana -- the real dress is pink with black trim, not CREAM like the fakes on eBay!
*Petite Scattered Stone Pink Taran -- the fakes have the tag sewn flat, whereas the authentic dress has the tags sewn with the folded down ends; a lot of the photos I've seen on eBay have been altered to show tags that do not reflect the actual tag of the dress you'll receive
*Butterfly Explosion Suron -- print is too garish (neon!) and cut is wrong, especially those awful sleeves they copied completely wrong!
*Python Suron -- print is wrong and cut is wrong, especially those awful sleeves they copied completely wrong!
*Gigantic Butterfly Explosion Lorelei -- wrong fabric
*Cheetah Spot Blue Hayley -- spots are too small and too much blue in pattern
*^Giant Graphic Spa Red St. Jude -- colors is too garish, print not right
*^Giant Graphic Spa Chocoaalte St. Jude -- print not right
*^Night Sunflower Black Julian -- print not right
*Petite Gaudi Wave Steffi -- fabric and print are wrong; tags at neckline are wrong
*Spring Web Orange Renny -- too early to be prices at below $100. Seller included no real photos, which is a big red flag!
*Spring Web Chocolate Renny -- too early to be prices at below $100. Seller included no real photos, which is a big red flag!
*Metamorphosis print (Stella, St. Jude, etc.) -- print is wrong, colors wrong, plus it is too early to be prices at below $100. 
*^Algebra Jeanne -- Tags should NOT say 'silk jersey'!
*^Block 54 Camel Jeanne -- Tags should NOT say 'silk jersey'!
*^Block 54 Red Julian -- Tags should NOT say 'silk jersey'!
*^Block 54 White Julian (also available in the Jeanne, Jill and Polly Dee styles) -- Tags should NOT say 'silk jersey'!
*^Cubist Jeanne -- Tags should NOT say 'silk jersey'!
*Deco Diamond Boka -- Tags should NOT say 'silk jersey' and the colors of the fakes are garish and off.
*Diamond Confetti Brea -- One copy is reasonably good while other copies are not even CLOSE to the real thing.
*Dotted Stone Brea -- beware of copies on eBay!! Authentic Brea have the gathered, slightly puffed detailing on shoulders
*Hopi All Over Utility -- Tags should NOT say 'silk jersey'!
*Indian Summer Turquoise Julian -- Tags should NOT say 'silk jersey'!
*Leopard Grey Julian -- Tags should NOT say 'silk jersey' and the print has NO BABY BLUE in it! It is just shades of grey with touches of pink
*Lucky Blue Star Taurus -- This is a silk jersey wrap NOT CHIFFON! The ones claiming to be silk jersey are fake if the stars are white instead of pale blue!
*Maize Utility -- Tags should NOT say 'silk jersey'!
*Midnight Kiss Gildred -- This should NOT have the Vintage pink script PLUS the fakes are missing the drawstring, adjustable ties at the corners of  (by the armpits) the portrait neckline.
*Navajo Chevron Utility -- Tags should NOT say 'silk jersey'!
*Nocturnal View Antoinette -- print nad cut is wrong
*^OK Black Jeanne --Tags should NOT say 'silk jersey'!
*^OK Mint Jeanne --Tags should NOT say 'silk jersey' and the colors of the copies are waaaaaaay off. Should look like seafoam green, not bright lime-
*^OK Purple Jeanne --beware of copies on eBay!! Tags should NOT say 'silk jersey'!
*^Scribble Tweed Camel Julian (also available in the Polly Dee and Jill styles) -- This print looks sort of like Grassy Knoll Camel in miniature
*Small Dentelle Powder Taurus -- This is a silk jersey wrap NOT CHIFFON! DvF did make a chiffon-fabric dress in this print, but the style is NOT the Taurus wrap!
*^Wood Grain Olive Jeanne -- Tags should NOT say 'silk jersey'!
*^Wood Grain Purple Julian (also available in the Jill wrap top)
*Zebra Tapis Beige Jane -- print is wrong; should have khaki lines in between the black rectangles
*Canyon Paisley Blue Mary Jo (also available in Polly Anna style) -- DO NOT fall for the horrific counterfeits on eBay -- THE CANYON PAISLEY MARY JO IS A SILK JERSEY WRAP! Plus it should have flat, pearlized SNAP buttons, not some cheap pearlized rounded buttons. The interior of the dress certainly should not look grey, either! The Mary Jo is also available in wool but in SOLID COLORS, only.
*Canyon Paisley Red Mary Jo (also available in Polly Anna style) --  DO NOT fall for the horrific counterfeits on eBay -- THE CANYON PAISLEY MARY JO IS A SILK JERSEY WRAP! Plus it should have flat, pearlized SNAP buttons, not some cheap pearlized rounded buttons. The interior of the dress certainly should not look grey, either! The Mary Jo is also available in wool but in SOLID COLORS, only.
*Western Python Beige Mary Jo (also available in Polly Anna style) --  DO NOT fall for the horrific counterfeits on eBay which completely lack the pythonskin-lie spot detailing in the dark portions -- please refer to the photo on my blog (dvfs.blogspot.com) for what the prints SHOULD look like. The real print is like a cracked python skin, so the dark areas have spots and the camel borders are irregular in width, some ending in points. It should NOT look like a stone wall or blocky, like a giraffe print!*Western Python Horizon Blue prints on eBay right now look like ugly cheap imitations. This is a really pretty print, so be discerning!
*Tipi Lumberjack Jill -- do not fall for the cheap cotton imitations on eBay! The real deal is a thick brushed cotton, almost like a very thick flannel and the dress has a lot of heft/weight. It is unique a really cool!
*Ava in Black, Camel, Chocolate and Aubergine -- copies beware of copies on eBay!! Size tag at neckline should be black and look for the interior tag indicating that it is made in the US.
*Mary Jo in Black, Camel, Chocolate and Red -- beware of copies on eBay!! Size tag at neckline should be black and look for the interior tag indicating that it is made in the US.
*Utility in Black, Camel, Chocolate and Aubergine --  beware of copies on eBay!! Size tag at neckline should be black and look for the interior tag indicating that it is made in the US.
*Taffy dresses on eBay are mostly (~90%) fake. Make sure to get a photo of the actual dress and compare the eyelet pattern to that of a real Taffy. Also, make sure it is lined. The dress is made in India and the sleeve should have a thin, ~1cm turned back cuff.
*Gingham Tarence has been copied and are rampant on eBay -- the real dress is BLUE and white gingham, made of silk taffeta. At first, the fakes were black and white and made of cotton. I've now seen some red&white and blue&white, but can not vouch for their authenticity. Go by the price! Even on sale, these were $280+!
*Clia dresses have appeared on eBay and are totally ugly and wrong, compared to the real thing. The Clia made in the US with just a white size tag at the neckline (no fabric content), made of stretch corduroy (98% cotton/2% elastane, indicated on a tag INSIDE the dress on the left seam) AND the buttons are flat, brass-finish metal buttons, not those hideous plastic fake-gold buttons you see on the cheap imitations!
*Chain Link Combo Julie --  DvF did not produce a halter wrap of this print and it should not have the 'Vintage' labels on the neckline like you see on the fakes found on eBay! If you look at the authentic print, the black parallel lines in the links are much closer together than the same lines on the copied fabric. Also, the middle section of the Willow should start lower and be less wide than what the fakes are like.
*^Large Caning Justin  -- print is too large, fabric is fake
*^Laurel Leaf Black Justin -- print is too large, fabric is fake
*^Laurel Leaf Kelly Julian -- print is too large, fabric is fake
*^Laurel Leaf Kelly Justin -- print is too large, fabric is fake
*Lilypad Coral Kye -- none of the Lilypad print items, whether Green or Coral, should have the 'Vintage' labels on the neckline like you see on eBay!
*Nets Brown Kye -- the real dresses do NOT have the pink Vintage scrawl on the tags! Also, the Kye wrap should be ruched under the bust, and the counterfeits do not look like thay have that key feature. The real kye wraps have also barely a cap sleeve -- the fakes have short sleeves that are too long compared to the real thing.
*^Pixel Julian -- Please DO NOT fall for the fake ones with too-large prints
*Racing Leaf Green Kye -- the real dresses do NOT have the pink Vintage scrawl on the tags! Also, the Kye wrap should be ruched under the bust, and the counterfeits do not look like thay have that key feature. The real kye wraps have also barely a cap sleeve -- the fakes have short sleeves that are too long compared to the real thing.
*Sundial Red Fariba -- DO NOT fall for the red-on-white cotton counterfeit versions!The wrap was only made in silk jersey and never in red-on-white! Also, the back neckline is draped and shawl-like, not squared off!
*Lots of fake Tribal Diamond Pink Kyanne halter wrap dresses have been on eBay -- never made in cotton, should be silk jersey!
*The Artichoke Blondelle and Mimosa Aubrey were counterfeited, so look for these details: (1) these should NOT have Vintage in pink scrawled on the labels plus (2) the cotton fabrics, like the Artichoke print in the Blondelle or skirt, and Mimosa print in the Aubrey, should have a square 'Made in India' tag  not the long 'Made in China' tag that says 100% cotton. There IS NO lining in thre Aubrey! Plus, the green on the counterfeit Mimosa print is too pale and the yellow is not golden enough.
*The Giant Twig Hathaway has a black size tag at the neckline because it is produced in the US. The fabric content tag info is located one of those larger tags in the left side seam (the kind with the fabric, country of manufacture and 'Diane von Furstenberg Studios' and address on it). This dress is an exception to the 'cotton is made in India' rule.
*The Ginko Frandarly should NOT have the long 'Made in China' tag, just a short one.
*The Lilypad Green Montana should NOT have the pink Vintage scrawl on the tags!
*I've seen fake chiffon Deja Halter dresses where the lining, from the photo, looks to be wrong. Get a photo of the tag to be safe -- the outer shell should be 100% silk while the lining is DvF's stretch silk (95% silk/5% lycra). The same seller is offering an awful copy of the Jungle Flower Tyler in chiffon -- and it isn't even a wrap like the real dress is! The same seller is also offering a dress he/she calls Shanghai Landscape -- you can see that the bust cups are not even seamed and tailored like in the dress Diane wears in the auction photos. Another poorly done counterfeit item. Triple offender!
*The fake Stacato print halter dress has aqua instead of GREEN dots -- the real dress has kelly green, not aqua!
*Polka Dot Antonio  -- Please DO NOT fall for the fake chiffon-y versions on eBay! This wrap is made of 95% rayon viscose with 5% lycra. The waist sash should be a ribbed texture AND there is a little slit on the left waist for the sash to loop through.
*Coral print wraps -- Please DO NOT fall for the fake chiffon-y versions on eBay! The print is COMPLETELY wrong on the counterfeits!! They look like scattered twigs instead of a pretty coral reef. (Coral Coral Julian, Coral Coral Kye, Coral Dust Julian, Coral Dust Kye)
*Tie Dye print wraps -- Please DO NOT fall for the fake chiffon-y versions on eBay! The print is COMPLETELY wrong on the counterfeits!! They look like round bubbles instead of a pretty tie-dye splotches, which should have uneven, asymmetrical edges. (Tie Dye Pool Julian, Tie Dye Rose Julian, Tie Dye Rose Kye)
*Footprints Jeanne wrap -- This was from the Vintage Reissue series and sold out so fast. Please DO NOT fall for the fake chiffon-y versions on eBay! The print is COMPLETELY wrong on the counterfeits!! The real print is on pale grey background and the print consists of a black 'footprint' shape, surrounded by a ring of medium gray, surrounded by a ring of black, and then lines of medium grey between all of the black rings, reminiscent of the lines of the Giraffe print. There is s bit of grey space between the footprint and the rings. The fakes have only the footprint surrounded by one dark ring, which is wrong!
*Giant Twig Roberto -- lots of fakes of this one on eBay, done in chiffon whereas the real thing is 100% cotton! Be alerted that the tags of the fakes indicate a lining.
*Giant Twig Sunset Maida -- the real Maida does not have a separate interior slip layer -- it should be attached to the outer layer!
*Parasol Maida -- lots of fakes of this one on eBay -- the interior lining is NOT attached!
*Bokhara Stripe Boka -- lots of fakes of this one on eBay, done in chiffon -- the real wrap is silk jersey and the print is completely different from the dress shown in the photos
*Cupid Zhivago Svetlana --  the print on the fakes are not as lovely as the real wrap and the neckline button should be covered in black wool, instead of being an ugly plastic button.
*Revolutionary Duenne -- lots of fakes of this one on eBay, done in acrylic, which they are claiming is wool -- the real wrap is wool soft and fine jersey not fuzzy and cheap, like on the fake Duenne wraps. The buttons are a lovely antiqued brass finish with a cross, not ugly plastic with swirls.  Be alerted that the tags of the fakes indicate a lining, too.
*Rubix Green Jeanne and Rubix Cranberry Jeanne -- lots of fakes of this one on eBay, done in chiffon -- the real wrap is silk jersey and the print is much prettier on the real thing.
*Tribal Diamond Kyanne --  the print on the fakes are not as lovely as the real wrap and the Kyanne was made in silk, not cotton!
*wool Alonzita -- lots of fakes of this one on eBay, done in acrylic, which they are claiming is wool -- the real wrap is wool soft and fine jersey not fuzzy and cheap, like on the fake Duenne wraps.  Be alerted that the tags of the fakes indicate a lining.

As always, feel free to look at photos of these dresses in my blog (dvfs.blogspot.com), where you can also find out more info about styles, fit and availability. Happy shopping!!

From Jan 2007

January 29, 2007

Guide #3: Side-by-side comparison of counterfeit to authentic DvF wrap

I hope to ensure that the Diane von Furstenberg that you buy is the authentic, high-quality, gorgeous piece that it should be!

I do not represent the brand in any way and this guide is based on personal experience as a collector and buyer of these wonderful clothes.Disclaimer: This guide is written without the permission or authority of DvF and they can not vouch for the information contained herein.

I am a DvF-focused personal shopper and buy directly from the DvF shops for my clients, so I am up-to-date on each collection and can spot fakes on eBay very quickly. Let's be clear: I do not work for DvF and am not associated with Diane von Furstenberg Studios LLP or DvF herself , but I am a personal shopper who buys mainly from this designer for my clients. This guide is based on my extensive experience buying DvF and include tidbits and tips I have learned from the DvF shopgirls.

In response to my first two How to Spot a Fake guides (https://reviews.ebay.com/How-to-spot-fake-Diane-von-Furstenberg-dresses-on-eBay_W0QQugidZ10000000000127757 and https://reviews.ebay.com/List-of-the-latest-DvF-wraps-how-to-spot-a-fake-part-2_W0QQugidZ10000000000949772), here is some more info on How to Spot a Counterfeit DvF (Part 3), hopefully BEFORE you buy it!

I. What to do when counterfeiters copy the print spot-on or even use the actual DvF fabric -- how you can still identify a fake from an authentic DvF

Most of the time, counterfeits are poorly done and the prints don't even match the real DvF. For example:
Taffy -- The first ones sold on eBay had the wrong eyelet pattern! The real Taffy had irregularly spaced eyelet holes, not a repeated, symmetrical ring around a center axis. Now, however, they've learned and are copying the fabric more accurately, but I have seen that the eyelet holes on some are still too large, about 1 in inchead of 1 cm opening.
Western Python -- The ones on eBay are missing the subtle spotting detail on the dark patches of the print. The fakes look more like a stone wall print!
Tie Dye -- The counterfeits have round-edge spots, instead of irregularly bordered spots. Think of a real tie dye print: the edges of color are not perfectly rounded. Instead, the colors seep into the white areas irregularly.
Coral -- ugly, straight stick-like branches instead of the natural curves and bumps of a coral patch's branches
Footprints -- counterfeits are missing the thin grey lines between the footprints
Bosphorous -- way too much teal in the coloring
Seafoam Band -- just wrong all around: pink flowers too big, black between the stripes is solid on the real print, mini-leo print stripe prints also not right on the copied print

Sometimes, though, counterfeiters do a GREAT job of copying the DvF fabric, so you need to look for other signs. One area that can give away the item as being a counterfeit is the neckline tag. Counterfeiters will take whatever typed 'DIANE von FURSTENBERG' tags are available to them and stick it on a dress. Therefore, knowing the right tags an item should have can help you identify a potential forgery. Figure out if the authentic item us supposed to:
(A) have a white size tag at the neckline that also indicates country of manufacture and fabric content tag under the standard 'DIANE von FURSTENBERG' tag
OR
have a small square tag, either black or white, with only the size indicated while the fabric contact tag  is on a different part of the dress
(B) have been manufactured in China versus India versus Korea versus US versus Poland
(C) have the pink 'Vintage' script on its tag or not
(D) have the AUTHENTIC 'Vintage' script tag

Just this weekend, I was received a counterfeit DvF (the seller claims that she was unaware it was a fake and has agreed to refund me). The photos shown with the listing are convincing, and it IS difficult to tell if the fabric will be right from a picture. Once I had it in my hand, it was clear and easy to tell that it was a fake since it felt nothing like the soft, supple silk jersey DvF uses. I managed to find the real deal over the weekend, but it was 3x the price in the eBay listing. Lesson learned! However, now that I had both a real AND fake version in my hand, I figured I'd share my head-to-head comparisons with you:
[1] Counterfeit on the left, Authentic on the right.
The real one has the interior label indicating style&name (the little white tag on the left ribcage). The real one was more of an off-white and black. The fake was a horrific polyester material.


[2] The fake did not have the silky interior hang straps (A) used to keep a dress from slipping off the hanger (in the real DvF, you can see the entire left strap, black, and just the end of the right strap, the remainder of which is in the sleeve in my photo). The fake also had two seams on the back panel (B), and had seams from the armpit out to the bust. That is not found on an authentic Jeanne wrap. Again, the fake was missing the style name&number tag (C).
  
[3] The stitching on the collar of the fake was shoddy; compare that with the hidden/invisible stitches on the real DvF. 

[4] The tags were the biggest giveaway and I should have listened to by own advice and gotten more photos before buying! The fake tag simply looks wrong -- the 'Vintage' script is too dark -- and the back is all black thread. The fabric content tag is also wrong -- authentic silk jersey items by DvF have '100% silk' on the tag, whereas the fakes say '100% silk jersey' instead! 

 

Feel free to email me for larger photos of all these details. Anyway, I hope these tips will help others steer clear of the cheap fakes. As always, if someone is selling fakes, first follow eBay protocol for resolving the problem. If the seller will not cooperate with you or, as I have experienced, eBay does not stop the seller from listing more fakes, you can always contact DvF themselves and ask to be put in touch with their legal department. I can't guarantee that they will be able to intervene, but I have been told that their legal representatives is working on the issue and are probably open to real leads regarding someone suppliers and importers of fake DvF clothing. My biggest advice here is to be careful, ask questions, and do your research!

Some other general rules of thumb regarding tags:
*Wool and rayon items are made almost exclusively in the US. US-manufactured DvFs should have the small square BLACK size tag at the neckline. There is usually a separate tag (larger, about the size of a large postage stamp) on the left seam indicating fabric content, country of manufacture (USA) and something like Diane von Furstenberg Studios, with their NYC address.

Thus, the wool items you see with the white tags are 99.9% likely to be fakes, especially those which indicate a lining where there is none present!*Many cotton items are made in India and India-manufactured DvFs should have the white size tag, about the size of a large postage stamp, at the neckline and say 100% cotton with Made in India on the line below it, and the size underneath that.
The eyelet Taffy dresses, the Artichoke print and the Mimosa Aubrey are all 100% cotton and should have this other tag. Thus, any of those on eBay without the correct tags are 99.9% likely to be fakes, even though the prints look very much like the real ones!*Only certain prints have the pink 'Vintage' indication. These prints are from the lines where DvF is reissuing one of their classic prints in either new color combinations or in the original color combinations. I've noticed that DvF recently changed this tag just a bit so that the pink 'Vintage' is smaller than on the original tags, so do expect to see two slightly different tags BUT the script should never be fuchsia but rather a bright, bubblegum pink.
The Nets Brown, Nets Daffodil, Racing Leaf Green, Racing Leaf Yellow, LilyPad Green, LilyPad Coral and Chain Link prints were not issued as part of the Vintage Reissue collection for this spring, so all the dresses you see in those prints should NOT have the pink 'Vintage'. Thus, most of what you see currently on eBay are 99.9% likely to be fakes, even though the prints look very much like the real ones!*Be sure to read fabric content detail. Tags which indicate a lining, when there is no lining in the item, probably don't belong on that dress! Some tags may indicate a lining, but make sure it indicates the correct material that DvF uses for the lining. At times, a dress may have a lining, but the tags may not include that detail. You can always ask the DvF shop what the tag looks like if they have the item in stock.
*Last year, all the stretch viscose wraps (super-soft finish, like the Zebra Jane, Cheetah Jane, Bamboo Willow, Yellow Flower Willow and Sahara Red Justin) were made in Korea, so the label stated 'Made in Korea'. I have not see any stretch viscose items yet this year, but I will update this info if I see anything and let you know where they are being made.
*The resort collection from January 2006 had a different tag than the usual white 'Made in China' tags. These were shinier (like satin ribbon, is how I'd describe it) and longer than the usual little white tags. I have not seen these tags again, but be alerted that the silk jersey wraps in Tye Dye Pool, Tye Dye Rose, Coral Dust, and Coral Coral (also called Coral Pink) should have these slightly different tags. That particular Resort Collection was counterfeited a lot, so just make sure you item is silk jersey if it is a wrap -- theses were NOT made of chiffon!

**If in doubt, simply call any DvF shop and see if they can describe what the tag SHOULD look like on the authentic version of the item in question. They'll usually be able to look for you if the item is in their store. Or you can email me and I will try my best to help you figure it out.**

II. US-made silk jersey wraps versus China-made silk jersey wraps

I was recently asked by more than one person about the US-made silk jersey wraps. Yes, they ARE different than the China-made ones. This is what I have found to be the general rules of thumb:
(A) The US-made wraps have the black size tag at the neckline. I have not found them to always have the large white side seam tags, though, even though many US-made items have the white tag around the left ribcage with the DvF Studio's address and fabric content of the dress written on it.
(B) The US-made wraps tend to be longer than the China-made wraps. I would say that a US-made Julian wrap tends to be 2 to 3 inches longer than a China-made Julian wrap.
(C) The edges and hems are finished differently in the US-made wraps. You'll see a more simple, almost basted, stitch on the hem of the US-made wraps; you will also often find this type of hem finish on the US-made rayon dresses, too. China-made wraps have the thicker, heavier hem finish. The simpler stitch finish is also apparent along the neckline of the US-made wraps, where the edge of the material is folded over and stitched. There is often a border of about 1 inch of fabric on US-made wraps, while the China-made wraps are folded, double stitched, and cut, leaving a border of about less than 1cm of printed fabric.
I will ask a seamstress friend as to the technical terms for the different finishes and also try to add photos to illustrate.

If the buyer is guaranteeing authenticity and you're still doubtful, be sure to contact them before auction end and make sure that they will also refund your postage costs if they turn out to be selling counterfeit DvFs. Once you receive the item, you can fax or email photos of the item and its various tags (not the paper hang tag that is tied to it, but the ones sewn in) to a DvF shop and get them to verify if your item is real or not. If you want to run the photos by me first, I'd be glad to help, if I can. But remember, if you need to make a legal case against a seller, I am not going to be the final authority. You will have to get a DvF-affiliated person to give the final opinion on authenticity.

I hope this guide provides more useful information to help make your online purchasing safer and worry-free. If I think of any other helpful advice, I will add to this guide or write yet another guide for you fellow DvF fans. If you see anything that I've left out or may be inaccurate, let me know! I do not claim to be the all-knowing authority on DvFs, but I try to help the best I can.

As always, feel free to look at photos of these dresses in my blog (dvfs.blogspot.com), where you can also find out more info about styles, fit and availability. Happy shopping!!

I found one from Aug 2008:

Guide #4: SIZING and FIT
I hope to ensure that the Diane von Furstenberg that you buy is the authentic, high-quality, gorgeous piece that it should be!

I do not represent the brand in any way and this guide is based on personal experience as a collector and buyer of these wonderful clothes.Disclaimer: This guide is written without the permission or authority of DvF and they can not vouch for the information contained herein.

I am a DvF-focused personal shopper and buy directly from the DvF shops for my clients, so I am up-to-date on each collection and can spot fakes on eBay very quickly. Let's be clear: I do not work for DvF and am not associated with Diane von Furstenberg Studios LLP or DvF herself , but I am a personal shopper who buys mainly from this designer for my clients. This guide is based on my extensive experience buying DvF and include tidbits and tips I have learned from the DvF shopgirls.

In addition to how to spot a fake (see my original guides at https://reviews.ebay.com/How-to-spot-fake-Diane-von-Furstenberg-dresses-on-eBay_W0QQugidZ10000000000127757 and https://reviews.ebay.com/List-of-the-latest-DvF-wraps-how-to-spot-a-fake-part-2_W0QQugidZ10000000000949772), I also get many inquiries regarding how to figure out what size DvF to buy. So here is a guide with all the info that I usually send out, focused mainly on wraps. I hope it helps you in your DvF quest!

(1) Sizing tends to run small compared to mainstream labels

DvFs do generally run smaller than mainstream American labels (such as Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Old Navy, etc.). My standard DvF size is at least one, if not two, sizes above the clothes I buy from these other retailers. Therefore, do expect that you will probably be purchasing a size larger than you usually do. Now, I say 'standard' DvF size because...

(2) Fit tends to vary from style to style, fabric to fabric, and season to season

I have found that the fit of DvFs vary greatly depending on the style (cut) of the item and then even which fabric the item is made of. On top of that, I have found that the same exact style and fabric dress produced one season can vary significantly from the same item in a different print from another season. Therefore, it is important to first figure out your 'standard' DvF size, which is the usual size you are will end up wearing in 'typical' (a/k/a most) DvFs. Then, find out how the particular style you are considering runs in terms of fit compared to a typical DvF and make adjustments from there. QUICK NOTE: I have found that the DvF collections in 2007 and 2008 run larger than they have been running in the last 5-7 years, so I have been able to size down one size in almost all of the silk wraps. The dresses, however, still vary: I still take my regular size in some styles, but can also size down one and even TWO sizes in some of the styles.

Just off the top of my head, here are a few items which vary quite a bit in sizing.
Examples of recent style-dependent variability:
*Ice Flower Mr. Mao wrap runs nearly two sizes small, so go up two sizes
*Chain Link Combo Willow wrap also runs nearly two sizes small, so go up two sizes
*Polka Dot Antonio wrap runs about one size small, so go up one size
*Marble Paper Dasha wrap runs almost one size large, so go down one size if you are on the small end of your size spectrum (i.e. if you are between a US6 and US8, choose the smaller size)
*Attica style wraps run about one size large, so go down one size
*Kyanne style wraps in the 100% super-soft viscose run at one to two sizes small, so go up at least one size and definitely go up two sizes if you happen to be busty
*Jude style wraps tend to be roomier because of the sleeveless design (see Section 3 below for my notes on wraps), so many clients choose to go down one size
*Tyler style wraps are adjustable in the shoulders, so clients are able to also wear one size down in addition to their regular size
*To adjust for the tailored bust on the Kye wraps, clients who are a C cup or larger are strongly recommended to go up at least one size, if not two sizes
*To adjust for the keyhole opening on the Madame wraps, clients who are a C cup or larger are strongly recommended to go up at least one size
*To adjust for the wider, almost portrait, necklines on the Jane wraps, clients who are a C cup or larger are strongly recommended to go up one size if more bust coverage is preferred
*To adjust for the wider portrait necklines on the Rita wraps, clients are strongly recommended to go up one size if more bust coverage is preferred
*To adjust for the roominess in the lower back of the Taffy dresses, clients are able to go down one size if small-waisted or a tighter fit through the torso is preferred
Examples of by-fabric variability:*DvF's 100% wool items tend to run small, so go up one size. This holds true for both wrap and non-wrap dresses. Example: If you know you're a certain size in the silk jersey Revolutionary Duenne wrap, you will most likely be happier with one size larger in the wool Revolutionary Duenne wrap.*The shiny 100% viscose fabric items, as seen on the Willowflower Rita and Silver Svetlana, also run about a size small (especially with the Rita's more open neckline!), so go up one size if you are on the large end of your size spectrum (i.e. if you are between a US6 and US8, choose the larger size). Example: If you know you're a certain size in the silk jersey Rita wrap, you will most likely be happier with one size larger in the viscose Rita wrap, even though I have already recommended that you go up one size in the silk jersey Rita already.
*The super-soft viscose material -- not the shiny 100% viscose like in the Rita or Svetlana wraps -- has 5% lycra in it, so it is more adjustable than the standard DvF silk jersey items. Depending on the style, you can either go down one size (such as in the Willow style from Summer 2005 and in the Jane style from 2005 if you are not extra-busty) or just stick with your usual size (such as in the Justin style).
*In general, the 100% rayon items run smaller than the same style in 100% silk jersey. The black rayon Julian and Jeanne wraps tend to run almost a size smaller because of the fabric. The Aftonella, for example, ran at least one size small, so clients were urged to choose on size larger than usual. Example: If you know you're a certain size in the silk jersey Julian or Jeanne wrap, you will most likely be happier with one size larger in the rayon Julian or Jeanne wrap. 
EXCEPTION TO THE RULE: When DvF introduced the chocolate brown rayon Julian, however, they fit more like the standard DvFs, so I recommended that my clients stick with their usual size for that item.
NOTE:  I have yet to really study the newer fabric DvF is using in the new Julian and Jeanne wraps (no longer 100% rayon, but 85%  viscose/15% polyamide) to figure out if they run larger/smaller/standard, but I'll update this guide once I know.
Examples of season-to-season variability:
*The Rene dresses from Spring 2004 tend to run one size small. The prints from that collection include Leopard Orange, Leafscroll Red and Williamina. These dresses were also shorter than previous Rene dresses.
*The Rene dresses from earlier collections (~1998-2002) run longer than the more recent (2003- now)Rene dresses.
*The vintage collection wraps from Summer 2005 are shorter than usual (~39"), so this is an issue taller clients needed to be aware of. The prints from that collection include La Scala, Stones Throw, Arrowhead and Prairie Flower. The Graphic Grass print from earlier that year is also rather short.

(3) Notes on wrap dresses, separates, etc.

A few other observations on DvF:
*The wrap style IS adjustable. This means that you don't have to wear only your standard DvF size. With the adjustability of the waistline, you have the ability to alter what your neckline looks like. Some clients like more decollete, so they opt for a smaller size than their standard DvF size when it comes to wraps. Others prefer more coverage, so they sometimes go for a larger size in wraps or simply wear a pretty camisole underneath. their usual size. It also means that if you are a US8 and you see a hard-to-find US6 or US10 wrap that you're just dying to own, either size could very well fit you just as fine as a US8. Most wraps do not require a perfect fit the way a wedding gown or trousers need to fit.
*It seems as if DvF generally designs for an A/B cup size bust, so if you are a C cup or higher, you need to take that into consideration when choosing your size.
*The size chart provided on the DvF website did not upload well into this guide, so I could not include it for quick reference. In general, I find that in wraps, your bust measurement is most likely going to dictate which size you need, followed by the waist measurement. The hip measurement is almost irrelevant unless the item is cut especially narrow or if your waist is exceptionally small compared to your bust & hips. That said, my waist is at least 3.5 inches larger than the guideline they provide for the size I usually wear. The bust measurement is pretty much spot on and the hip measurement provided is larger than me (but, again, the hips don't really matter). I find that the DvF size guide is not so good for trousers (I need a larger size than their chart indicates, but my legs are not long enough for the size I end up needing to buy!) but pretty accurate for most dresses (again, with the bust being the primary indicator in some styles, and the waist being a good indicator in other styles).
*The bicep area of DvF sleeves tend to be snug (even for those of us not as musuclar as Madonna in that area!), so it will sometimes affect the fit of the wrap across the bust. This is the main reason why many people are able to go down one size in the Jude style compared to the Julian or Justin styles in the same print & fabric.
*Necklines on wraps:  Sometimes, a particular wrap is perfect on you in every way except that the front keeps slipping open. It could be that you need a larger or smaller size, or perhaps that particular style/fabric is not sitting right on your frame. Before giving up and selling/trading that wrap you love, simply have a hidden hook&eye sewn in where you want the wrap to close. It is a great solution for making wraps a touch more hassle-free. Or, you can just throw on a camisole underneath. I have also found that the stretch viscose fabric is a little clingier, since it has lycra, so it seems to hug on to the bust a little better and, thus, stay closed better. I also find the Willow and Kye wraps to stay in place rather well, but that could just be the way those cuts fall on my particular physique.
*Most DvF trousers to have very long inseams, at least 34" to 36". If you are not long-legged, be prepared to have them tailored, which does affect the line of the piece.
*DvF's silk jersey is unlike any other designer's fabric. There is a lovely drape and a bit of natural stretch so that it flatters a wide range of figures. It does not wrinkle, which makes it perfect for globe-trotting. That also means that you may be able to fit into two or three sizes in a particular dress style, just because of the natural flexibility of the silk weave. That is why so many fit measurements are given as ranges in the descriptions of DvFs.
*DvF's silk mesh material is, I believe, exclusive to her designs, and is an amazing material that seems to expand or stretch to fit just about every figure. This means that you can probably wear a larger range of sizes in that fabric than you could of an item in the regular silk jersey. The material is woven so that is looks rather small when laid out and then expands to gently hug your curves without being binding. A wonderful break-through material! It is also super light-weight and never wrinkles, although it tends to be more delicate and can run if it gets snagged/caught on jewelry.

If you have any ideas or input about DvF fit, please do send them to me and I can eventually add your advice to this guide! I will probably author a DvF fabric care guide at some point in the future, but if you have any questions in the meantime, feel free to contact me. You can reach me through my blog (dvfs.blogspot.com) or stop by just to look at the photos posted there or to find out more info about DvF styles, fit and availability.

Happy shopping!!