Last updated: March 2024

Key Takeaways:

• The Bao Bao bag by Issey Miyake, known for its unique, shapeshifting design, is crafted from a mesh material layered with vinyl triangles.
• Authentic Bao Bao bags have a shiny logo inside, thick handles, perfectly shaped geometric pieces, and a soft, collapsible structure.
• Counterfeits may have matte studs, thinner handles, irregular shapes, and stiff construction.
• Bao Bao bags cannot be washed like clothes; they require gentle cleaning with a soft damp cloth and should be stored in a dust bag away from sunlight.

Introduction:
The Bao Bao bag, a masterpiece of design and practicality, emerges from Issey Miyake’s innovative vision. Launched in 2000, this transformative accessory has captivated those with an eye for art and functionality. This concise guide will teach you how to differentiate a real Bao Bao bag from a counterfeit, ensuring your piece is an authentic work of wearable art.

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Question: How can you tell if a Bao Bao Issey Miyake bag is real?
Answer: To determine if a Bao Bao Issey Miyake bag is authentic, check for a clear, shiny logo inside the bag, typically found on a single stud. The handles should be thick, indicating quality. Authentic bags will have uniform geometric shapes and a soft structure that easily collapses, unlike stiffer counterfeits. Always compare with verified items from official retailers or authorized stores, as they do not offer authentication services.

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What Is Bao Bao Bag Made Of?

What Is Bao Bao Bag Made Of? – Fake vs Real Bao Bao Bag

Bao Bao bag can be called a shapeshifter due to its unique design and incorporation of both engineering and art which makes it a versatile bag that can be carried all day.

Bao Bao bags are made of a unique material called “triangle” or “polygon” material. This material is made of small triangular or polygonal pieces of vinyl that are attached to a flexible mesh backing.

The vinyl pieces are designed to move independently, allowing the bag to be reshaped and reformed in different ways. The material is lightweight, durable, and water-resistant, making it ideal for use in bags and other accessories.

Bao Bao bags are known for their distinctive geometric designs and versatility, as they can be worn as shoulder bags, crossbody bags, or even backpacks.

Rather than aesthetic, one component of what a bag should have is its sense of functionality that can be used on multiple occasions and these Bao Bao bags by Issey Miyake has it all – the materials used to create this bag are iconic.

From how the Bao Bao Bag has been designed, you can tell that Issey Miyake has incorporated the minimalist Japanese aesthetic and modernity in the bag.

Starting from the small triangles made of resin that are sewed to a delicate mesh material that can be collapsed and folded into unlimited ways that can mold the bag into a new form just like Origami (Japan paper folding art which turns into different figures, forms, and shape)

The Bao Bao Bag by Issey Miyake has added several designs from its primary design (the Prism) which includes Slash (triangles that are mirrored), and Platinum (triangular designs that are much smaller than the prism).

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How Can You Tell If An Issey Miyake Bag Is Real?

How Can You Tell If An Issey Miyake Bag Is Real? – Fake vs Real Bao Bao Bag

In the modern day, once an item hits off the market and it becomes well known, rest assured that counterfeits will always be in its shadow and the Bao bao bag is not an exemption from this.

Issey Miyake’s brand has been on top of tracing counterfeit items legally in order to prevent illegal and unauthorized creation and distribution of his unique creation – this can be reported to them in order to combat counterfeit products

Most of the time the counterfeit bags of Bao Bao by Issey Miyake are unnoticeable as they are deemed high-quality and the differences from the genuine ones are unnoticeable.

Here is how you determine authentic from fake Bao Bao bags:

1. Check the Logo Inside The Bag

The Bao bao bag should have a shiny tiny logo on the inside that is clear and only usually can be found on one stud so if you ever received a bag that has a matte stud, do not hesitate to go to their website to authenticate

2. Inspect The Handle

Authentic Bao bao bags have a much thicker handle than the fake ones and in order to compare it personally you will have to own an authentic one as Bao bao retailers and authorized stores do not provide product authentication.

3. Imperfect Geometric Shapes

You can always expect Japanese Brands to have the highest level of quality products and this includes the Bao Bao Bag by Issey Miyake.

Pay attention to the shapes of the collapsible bag, they should have a perfect pattern, and all of them should have the same size, if you noticed an irregular one, the bag you have is fake.

4. Check the Stiffness Of The Bag

It is always wise to purchase the Bao Bao bag in their stores and their authorized resellers however, since the demand is high and supplies are low, a lot of customers are tempted to buy online.

You have to ensure that when you receive the bag, it is soft and can easily collapse because most counterfeit bags are kind of stiff and hard to fold.

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Can I Wash The Bao Bao bag?

Can I Wash The Bao Bao Bag? – Fake vs Real Bao Bao Bag

Even if the Bao bao bag did not classify as a high-end luxury bag, it is still quite expensive and must be taken care of properly in order to last through time.

If you head to Issey Miyake’s website, you will find the care instructions and proper storage of the Bao Bao Bag.

You cannot wash the bags just like clothes because it is made of a delicate mesh material and polyvinyl resins that might take off when you wash them off.

When stained, do not use thinners, detergent, benzene, etc it is best to go to a cleaning professional to have it cleaned in order to avoid ruining the material.

It can be cleaned by wiping the dirt with a soft damp cloth until the dirt has been removed, after that hang it dry.

With regards to storage, you must always put it back in the dust bag it comes with, take it away from any sun exposure, and store it in an area that is well-ventilated.

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Why is Bao Bao so expensive?

Bao Bao bags are considered to be relatively expensive compared to other bags because of several factors:

Unique design: Bao Bao bags are known for their unique geometric design, which is created using a special material made of small triangular or polygonal pieces of vinyl. The design is complex and requires a lot of attention to detail, which can drive up the cost of production.

High-quality materials: Bao Bao bags are made of high-quality materials, including unique triangle material and high-quality zippers and hardware. These materials are durable and long-lasting, but also more expensive than cheaper materials used in other bags.

Brand reputation: Bao Bao is a popular brand that is known for its unique design and high-quality materials. The brand has a reputation for producing high-quality bags that are both stylish and functional, which can make them more desirable and valuable to consumers.

Limited availability: Bao Bao bags are not widely available and are often sold in limited quantities. This exclusivity can drive up the price of the bags, as they become more desirable and valuable to collectors and fashion enthusiasts.

Overall, the high cost of Bao Bao bags is due to a combination of factors, including their unique design, high-quality materials, brand reputation, and limited availability.

While they may be more expensive than other bags, many people believe that the investment is worth it for the high-quality and unique design of the bags.

Is a Bao Bao bag worth it?