Dupes, copycats, imitations, knockoffs, clones. 

These are just some of the terms that circulate the modern fashion and cosmetic market today. While these labels often carry a negative connotation to the products they are associated with, the reality is that their history extends far beyond their recent popularity in social media.

The History of Modern Dupe Culture

The history of duplicates and their market has existed for centuries. However, the modern understanding of duplicates originated during the early 1900s, where copy houses raced to replicate couture designs from Paris. At that time, couture designs were often either too expensive or inaccessible to many customers, so clients commissioned craftsmen to create duplicates of those couture designs instead.

However, this didn’t mean that those duplicates were inferior in quality. There were many cases in which craftsmen would try to incorporate some of the original materials in their work. These artisans would also study the original design extensively, making note of the details and techniques used in the process so that they could replicate it for the copied design. Sometimes the key difference only boiled down to the fact that the original design had the label of the fashion house – something that was introduced later on in the 1940s. Ultimately, many of these dupes were still the result of a lot of passion, labor, and craftsmanship.

Dupes in the Context of Fragrances

The history of imitation in fragrances extends back to millennia, going all the way back to ancient civilizations such as Ancient Egypt. Perfumers specialized in identifying different oils, flora, resins, and other materials to create different scents that appealed to the olfactory system. The recipes they developed were closely guarded and this secrecy only created an additional allure. As a consequence, people who wanted to replicate these scents also tried to recreate these formulas, giving a rise to the first replicas of perfumes.

Later on, perfumery took on a renewed interest during the Renaissance period. The thirst for knowledge fueled by the Renaissance eventually led to the Age of Exploration. As trade routes opened up across Europe, merchants often brought back new scents, spices, and ingredients, creating a new variety of materials for perfumers to work with. Wealthy patrons such as the famous Catherine de’ Medici sponsored perfumers and encouraged them to innovate as well, with these perfumers often working to create new scents that appealed to the nobility. Other times these experiments aimed to replicate the fragrances that were otherwise only obtained through trade. For example, the Middle East in particular was a source of interest due to the fact that materials like musk were introduced from that part of the world.

The Renaissance period also highlighted the concept of using fragrances as a form of self-expression and identity. As the primary customers of fragrances during this time, many nobles sought to create and use fragrances that belonged to them alone. Being able to use a customized, unique fragrance was a sign of wealth and power – after all, it was one way to stand out in court. As a result, the fragrances were often treated as valuable treasures. Still, whether perfumers created fragrances in pursuit of making a dupe or making something new, the study of fragrances blossomed rapidly during this time period.

The Modern Rise of Dupe Culture and What It Means For Fashion Today

Nowadays, the rise of hashtag trends and social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Pinterest have created a renewed interest in dupes. This subculture of using and recommending dupes is called “dupe culture”. It originated as a way for people to find cheaper alternatives to luxury goods or products, allowing them to reach a similar stylistic result at a fraction of the cost. Today, dupe culture has extended its reach from the fashion industry to the cosmetics industry.

But while dupes initially held an unpleasant reputation as inferior products, dupes today have come to mean something a bit more positive. Many cosmetic brands have built their identity on being dupes. They would often use the same ingredients as higher-cost products but then sell their goods at a fraction of the price point.. One thing to point out is that while their products may be more affordable, the effectiveness remains the same.

Likewise, many influencers have built a platform on their ability to identify dupes as budget-friendly alternatives. The concept of a product that provides the same benefits as the biggest brands while costing less has become a very attractive idea to many people today.

Dupe culture has also become fashionable, particularly in the past decade. Many teens and adults desire an outlet for self-expression but often face a more limited budget. With the transformation of the internet due to social media and how online storefronts have expanded massively over the years, the choices for self-expression have become endless.

While luxury brands maintain a certain level of exclusivity and status, their accessibility to the average consumer remains out of reach. Instead, people research and buy dupes in order to achieve that self-expression at a budget they can afford. Ultimately, dupe culture has become a major part of the fashion cycle as they trickle down trends until the wider audience can access them.

One unexpected outcome of dupe culture is that in some ways it has once again pushed forward innovation. As more and more brands try to achieve the status of having good dupes, other brands have chosen to create products that are more distinct. They learn from both the products at the luxury level and from the dupe market, aiming to add their own unique spin to their own lineup. In doing so, they establish their own identity while pushing forward the boundaries of cosmetics. In an era where everyone wishes to express themselves uniquely in some shape or form, distinctiveness has become the most important consideration for many people.

What The History of Dupes Means to Us At PureAmor

Through understanding how duplicates have played a role in perfumery development, we at PureAmor aim to build upon this long legacy. Our goal is to create fragrances that are equal to luxury brands in quality but remain accessible and fashionable to modern sensibilities. We hope that our innovative lineup will allow every young adult woman to find a scent that complements their true sense of self.

Check out our current lineup here.