Why I'm Against Dupe Culture

Style

Sep 21

Date

9.20.23

time

9:00 PM

Place

Kitchen Table

NO DUPES FOR ME.

If you’ve spent really any time on the internet, you know the popularity of the “dupe.” A dupe (short for duplicate) is a cheap imitation of a high-end product. In a world where fast fashion and consumerism can significantly impact our choices, the allure of a dupe can be hard to resist. After all, who wouldn’t want to sport a designer bag without breaking the bank? But, as I reflect on my personal journey with fashion and consider the impact of counterfeit goods on the industry, I’ve decided I firmly stand against the dupe culture that has taken root in our society. I wrote a thinkpiece recently on “inspired by” pieces, and how those are a result of high-end fashion trickling down into society in more accessible ways. To be clear, pieces inspired by designer pieces and dupes are entirely different things!

Now, you know me as a happily married stylist and writer. But in order to get a full picture of my journey with this topic, let me take you back to my college days, when I was dating a guy with dreams of becoming politician..perhaps even president. He truly had potential, and as his girlfriend, that left me contemplating the possibility of becoming First Lady someday! I spent time daydreaming what my social impact would be, and I pondered the positive changes I could make in the realm of counterfeit goods. Because of Melania Trump’s love for designer fashion, I was really hoping she would choose to advocate for this! That’s really neither here nor there at this point, but the concept of making a change in this way has really stuck with me. Even though my thoughts have been shaped by my personal experience, the underlying issue remains: the prevalence of counterfeit products undermines the integrity of genuine creativity and innovation.

Before my journey as a stylist began, I absolutely fell prey to the allure of counterfeit goods. My desire for luxury and the inaccessibility at the time of authentic items led me to Canal Street, where I was able to find knock-off versions of designer items. However, as I got further into my graduate program, I gained a profound understanding of the implications of this behavior and have since burned them all!

Buying counterfeit items isn’t merely a matter of affordability; it’s a complex ethical dilemma. By opting for imitation items, we inadvertently support an industry that thrives on exploiting creative minds. Counterfeiters capitalize on the hard work of designers and creators, diluting the value of their craftsmanship, and when we buy these items, we’re endorsing this practice. The money that could’ve supported original artists ends up in the pockets of those who replicate their ideas without giving credit. Imagine being an artist who pours heart and soul into your work, only to see it replicated over and over without recognition. The pain of having one’s creativity stolen is something that can be experienced across all industries, so you may know this feeling yourself! By rejecting dupe culture, we stand in solidarity with designers, artists, and innovators who deserve both credit and compensation for their ideas.

Beyond the dilemma created by supporting the inauthentic version, the act of purchasing counterfeit goods perpetuates a cycle that stifles sustainability, fair wages, and ethical work environments. Authentic brands invest considerable resources and creativity in producing high-quality items that are built to last. This investment in quality minimizes the need for frequent replacements. On the other hand, the people making counterfeit goods are focused on turning things out as quickly as possible, and use subpar materials and exploitative labor practices in order to do so. You can imagine the impact this behavior has both socially and environmentally!

Listen, I get it: it’s tempting to embrace the convenience of dupes, but I want to encourage you to steer clear of this culture. Instead, I advocate for two alternatives: “inspired by” pieces and prioritizing meaningful purchases. Embracing “inspired by” items allows us to acknowledge creativity while avoiding the direct support of counterfeiters. These pieces honor the original work that sparked their creation, and are a clear way to make designer trends more accessible to the typical consumer. This part of the fashion industry fosters a culture of respect and innovation.

When it comes to prioritizing meaningful purchases, I highly encourage the practice of saving for items that genuinely resonate with our style. Choosing quality of quantity not only aligns with sustainable consumption, but also empowers us to make an active choice in investing in pieces that hold sentimental value. This shift promotes a more mindful approach to fashion, where we value authenticity over fleeting trends. You know I’m always going to encourage you to be true to yourself over following every trend that comes across your desk!

In a parallel scenario, imagine a world where Melania Trump did choose to champion this cause. As a true fashion tastemaker, her influence could’ve sparked a movement towards promoting ethical practices and authenticity. While that didn’t come to fruition, the responsibility still rests with us, the consumers, to drive change through our choices. Let’s push back against the culture that tells us we need everything right this second, add some mindfulness into our consumer behavior, and prioritize what’s actually important to us. My journey from succumbing to counterfeit goods to becoming an advocate against dupe culture has been one of self-discovery and growth. We have the power to impact the fashion landscape by choosing authenticity over imitation. Let’s celebrate creativity, honor the efforts of those who inspire us, and support ethical practices. By doing so, we elevate the industry and affirm our commitment to a world where innovation and integrity thrive.