FASHION COLLECTORS

Nancy - My Haute Authentication

We’re thrilled to introduce Nancy, the trusted expert behind My Haute’s authentication
process. With years of experience in the luxury fashion world, Nancy is New Zealand’s
leading authority on authenticating pre-loved designer bags and accessories.
Nancy is the head authenticator for all major auction houses, including Webb’s, as well as
Designer Wardrobe, New Zealand’s largest resale marketplace. She also works closely with
the NZ Police to identify counterfeit goods and investigate fraudulent transactions. Her
unmatched expertise is a cornerstone of the Exchange Store team.
In addition to her work with major institutions, Nancy offers authentication services to
individuals nationwide, helping ensure Aotearoa’s designer resale market remains
trustworthy and transparent.
In this newsletter, we’re excited to share more about Nancy’s journey, her approach to
authentication, and a few of her favourite pieces from her personal collection.

THE INSIDE SCOOP

HOW DID YOUR JOURNEY INTO THE WORLD OFLUXURY FASHION BEGIN?

Bottega Veneta + Chanel Ankle Bag

“A lifelong love of aesthetics naturally drew me to luxury fashion and over time that developed into a passion for the skill and history that comes with fine
craftsmanship.”

EXPLAIN YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH EXCHANGE STORE & HOW YOU WORK WITH OUR TEAM TO AUTHENTICATE.

“The team at Exchange is well versed in luxury, I work alongside them where required and to provide additional assurance for high value items. Many have noted an overall decline in designer quality over the past decades, while at the same time the replica industry has developed and become more sophisticated. This in turn can create a degree of convergence between the two and I can offer additional guidance when needed on pieces ranging from current through to vintage across various designer luxury marques.”

HOW DID YOU BECOME A LUXURY AUTHENTICATOR? WHAT DREW YOU TO THAT NICHE?

“A reputation for expertise in authentication led to a growing number of requests for
assistance. Buyers and sellers were expressing concern with the accuracy and level of detail provided by existing authentication service providers, as well as the absence of a local in house service. Feedback from resellers, trading platforms and insurance companies showed a need for a trusted independent assessor to provide assurance on authenticity or direction in authenticity disputes. Offering a recognised service to support buyers who had been defrauded was also of paramount importance to me, likewise work with law enforcement, as I was aware that the lack of a reputable authentication provider could result in complications with, for example, the issuing of a search warrant for a replica seller.”

Chanel Métiers d’Art Flap

NEW ZEALAND IS SUCH A SMALLMARKET—WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MOST INCREDIBLE OR RARE PIECES YOU’VE COME ACROSS HERE?

“This is a tough one, I have seen so many amazing pieces locally. The most recent rare and incredible items I authenticated were a collection of goods seized by the Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment. On the flip-side are the more unusual replica pieces, like an assortment of non-authentic Lady Dior bags manufactured by incorporating genuine parts from vintage bags, which mostly go undetected with authenticators as stampings and hardware are consistent with genuine. I've also loved some of the rarer pieces we've had in stock, like an ostrich Hermès Kelly and Louis Vuitton limited edition Fringe Bucket.”

WHEN IT COMES TO YOUR PERSONAL COLLECTION, WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR WHEN ADDING NEW PIECES?

“I look for classic design details and craftsmanship that is house, model or era specific. I'm also drawn to pieces that are rare or a bit more unusual, like the grey shearling Chanel Métiers d'Art flap that was an Exchange find, or my gold Chanel ankle runway bag from the 2008 Spring collection.”

WITH THE RISE OF SUPER FAKES, HOW HAVE YOU SEEN THIS IMPACT THE NZ LUXURY MARKET?

“The problem of super fakes is not yet of the same scope in NZ as it is overseas, but I am seeing a significant increase in volume, as well as a faster pace and steep incline in terms of replica evolving. It has created a much tougher environment for private buyers, as well as commercial sellers, to distinguish between replica and authentic. There has also been an increase in sellers pairing genuine accessories or receipts with super fakes, which can further enhance a false aura of authenticity.”

CAN YOU WALK US THROUGH YOUR AUTHENTICATION PROCESS?

“The details of what I look for vary by brand, model, production location and era, but I always start by looking at an item as a whole. It is not uncommon to see small (and not so small) variances or inconsistencies that need to be viewed in the wider context.

For finer details like engravings to hardware, I may use various magnification lenses to assess whether, for example, engraving entry and exit points are where they should be. Overall design details, materials, engraving, logos, font sets and production standards can vary vastly, I check for consistency with regards to model, factory and production era, as well as assess whether variations sit within the expected bandwidth for natural variation in
luxury craftsmanship for a particular design house.”

WHAT DOES A TYPICAL WORKDAY LOOK LIKE FOR YOU AS NEW ZEALAND’S LEADING LUXURY AUTHENTICATOR?

“This varies from day to day, but I generally set the first part of the morning aside for any urgent authentication enquiries. This is followed by client bookings, admin and cataloguing. In the evenings I invariably end up researching, or catching up on luxury postings on social media, as both the luxury and replica industry are constantly evolving.”

WHAT OTHER SERVICES DOES MY HAUTE OFFER?

“We provide valuation for insurance purposes or to give an indication of what an item may be worth on the open market. We offer general bag spa services and have a page dedicated to bag care guidelines and recommended care products. We offer assistance to anyone who has been defrauded, including a free detailed guide on our site, as well as a free guide detailing why we do not recommend A.I. based authentication for designer luxury and what to be mindful of when using A.I. services. Lastly, we offer a foundational course in authentication for businesses and always have a curated collection of items for sale, as well as offering consignment for a limited number of pieces.”

FINALLY, WHAT’S CURRENTLYON YOUR EXCHANGE STOREWISHLIST?

“Love the Jimmy Choo Suede Bing Pumps and Alaïa Le Coeur Bag..!”

We’d like to express our gratitude to Nancy for sharing her expertise with us. To explore Nancy’s services and more, click the button below.

My Haute

In the meantime, discover our carefully curated selection of designer pieces at Exchange Store, showcasing styles we recommend for a refined and timeless wardrobe.

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