If you want to identify a Kate Spade New York item or verify its authenticity, you will first need to know how to find a Kate Spade serial number. From handbags, to wallets, to dresses, each Kate Spade item has a unique identifier, known as a serial number.
This number is also known as a style number, item number, model number, or product code. Regardless of what you call it, this unique code gives all of the information and insight you need when it comes to a Kate Spade item.
From my time working as a buyer at Plato's Closet, I have received and evaluated many Kate Spade purses, learning all about serial numbers and authenticating Kate Spade items.
In this post, I'll share my knowledge with you as we go over the exact process for finding a Kate Spade serial number for any item.
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What Does A Kate Spade Serial Number Look Like?
The first step in finding a Kate Spade serial number is knowing exactly what you’re looking for.
A Kate Spade serial number will always be 8 characters long. In most cases, it will start out with four letters, and end with four numbers.
However, some items will have 5 letters followed by three numbers. However, it is most common to see four letters and four numbers.
For example, a Kate Spade serial number may look like this: OUMU1124. That is the item number of the Kate Spade Broom Street denim skirt.
This sequence of serial number reigns true for all Kate Spade items including purses, wallets, other accessories, and clothing items. Now, let’s learn exactly where to find this all-important serial number.
Locating the Serial Number: Purses And Wallets
So maybe you've gotten your hands on a Kate Spade handbag and you're curious about its authenticity. One of the first things you should do is locate the serial number, which is essentially like a bag's DNA- unique and essential for verification.
Here’s how you find it:
The serial number is most commonly located on a small, square tag sewn into the interior lining of the bag. Scan around the seam or along the edge of the inner pocket to find it.
Once you’ve located it, you now have your Kate Spade item number!
To further help you localize this tag, you will typically also find a black square tag underneath it that has a stripe of sparkly, rainbow material sewn in.
Many times these tags will be located next to a rectangular patch that outlines the Kate Spade branding and materials of the item.
Once you have your serial number, input it into a Google search. Input the serial number and the type of item (purse or wallet) into a Google search.
For example, type “Kate Spade WKRU5799” into the Google search bar. By doing this, you are able to find out that this purse is the Kate Spade Orchard Street Small Natalya.
Locating the Serial Number: Clothing Items
As we discussed earlier, Kate Spade clothing items like dresses, skirts, pants, jackets, and more will have the same style number sequence as a purse or wallet.
On clothing items, you will look for the Kate Spade serial number in a similar spot. For tops, dresses, and jackets, look at the inside seam of the item.
Here, you should see the same small white square tag in front of the black small square tag. Again, you should see the shiny, rainbow-like stitching on the black tag.
Once you find this, look for the 8-character code that we talked about earlier: 4 letters followed by 4 numbers, or 5 letters followed by 3 numbers.
Using the same strategy as above, input the type of Kate Spade item and serial number into a Google search.
For this dress example, it follows the Kate Spade serial number style that has 5 letters then 3 numbers. It reads: NJMUA099.
By inputting "Kate Spade NJMUA099" into a Google search, I was able to find out that the style name of this dress is the Kate Spade Sparkle Tweed Dress.
What If I Can’t Find the Kate Spade Serial Number?
In some cases, the serial number tag may have been removed at some point. This is especially common when shopping secondhand, like at a thrift store or buy-sell-trade store.
The good news is that just because you don’t have a serial number tag, it doesn’t automatically mean that your item is fake.
Another way to look up your Kate Spade item is by using Google Lens. This is a visual search method by Google.
Plus, you can do it directly from your phone! Start by downloading the Google app or the Google Lens app.
Next, take a photo of your item. After that, upload it to Google or Google Lens to perform an image search. Next, you should see items populate that resemble your Kate Spade item.
Ideally you would see the product on the Kate Spade site itself so that you can compare the product info and pictures with your specific item. If it is an older item, you may not be able to find this.
Instead, you may see pictures and listings on secondhand marketplaces like Poshmark and eBay. These are also great resources to compare your items to.
Authenticating a Kate Spade Bag
One way to authenticate your Kate Spade item is by using your Kate Spade serial number to cross reference and prove the authenticity. However, we just went over a scenario where an item does not have the serial number tag still attached.
Because of that, we have to find alternative ways to prove that your Kate Spade item is the real deal. As someone who worked at Plato’s Closet for over 4 years, I have had much pracrtice authenticating Kate Spade handbags.
When determining the authenticity of a Kate Spade handbag, various crucial features distinguish genuine articles from counterfeit replicas. From material quality to branding and hardware, each aspect plays a vital role in verifying the integrity of a Kate Spade bag.
Material Quality
High-quality materials are a hallmark in the production of authentic Kate Spade handbags. Genuine pieces feature supple leather showcasing flawless workmanship and attention to detail in stitching and pattern alignment.
Some Kate Spade bags will have a grainy-looking leather, while others will have a smooth leather outer.
Hardware
The hardware on genuine Kate Spade handbags should be free from tarnishing or rusting, maintaining a pristine appearance even after prolonged use. Zippers and clasps should feature an engraved branding of the logo.
Additionally, genuine Kate Spade handbags do not feature oversized or pointy metal studs or feet wider than a dime. These details help discern between authentic products and counterfeit replicas.
Consistent Labeling
Uniform labeling with accurate information regarding the country of origin and brand details is another hallmark of an authentic Kate Spade bag. For example, read our guide on where Kate Spade is made (countries around the world such as Vietnam, India, Indonesia, Dominican Republic, China, USA, Philippines, or Italy) to check your country of production.
Any spelling errors or inconsistencies in labeling should raise major red flags on the item. This is mostly regarding the materials and style number tags.
Each Kate Spade item will also have a leather patch sewn into the inside of the purse or wallet with “Kate Spade” written on it in their signature font to prove its authenticity.
Now that we’ve learned what a Kate Spade serial number looks like, where and how to find one, plus tips on authentication, you’re on your way to being a Kate Spade pro!
Let us know any questions that you may have in the comments below!
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