Designer Dupe vs Fake: What’s the Difference?

Shop My Outfit Here:

Dress//Lovely Pepa Collection (similar here and here)  Shoes//Loeffler Randall

Handbag//Louis Vuitton  Earrings//Sachin & Babi (similar here)  Sunglasses//Celine (pre-loved version listed)

I’ve been wanting to write this blog post for a while now, but I have to admit I was a bit worried. This is a topic I feel strongly about and I’m not so sure if the masses agree with my opinion. What am I talking about? The difference between a designer dupe and fake.

Thanks to social media, my generation and younger have become obsessed with designer items. You know that whole keeping up with the Joneses and projecting a more extravagant lifestyle on social media than what you may be able to truly afford.

It’s not hard to see that I have a love for designer items, especially handbags.

It’s where I choose to spend my money and I would rather have a handful of nice bags that I can use for years instead of a closet full of bags I use for a season or two. I’ve seen a lot of fellow influencers in the last year show what they call a designer dupe on their platforms; encouraging their followers to purchase the same.

I am all for finding designer-inspired items so you can get the same vibe without breaking the bank as the majority of us do not have an unlimited budget. However, I cannot support the purchasing of designer fakes.

Let me start by clearing up the difference between a designer dupe and a fake.

What exactly is a designer dupe?

A designer dupe is an inspired item that does not bear the markings of its designer counterpart. It’s not something you could pass off as that designer but looks very similar. These items are meant to give you the look of the brand but don’t include the designer name or it’s trademarked logo.

Like tweed jackets give those Chanel vibes or my favorite heart sunglasses are an incredible designer dupe for the Saint Laurent version.

What is a designer fake?

A designer fake is a counterfeit item that is meant to look exactly like the designer version. It is meant to be passed off as the luxury piece, and will usually have the same markings such as the internationally recognized logo or even brand name somewhere on the items.

For example, bags that have the classic Louis Vuitton Damier print are considered designer fakes since that print is trademarked.

So, what is wrong with buying a designer fake?

First, it’s illegal to sell a fake designer item as it infringes on the copyright and trademarks of the luxury house. It is also often believed that designer fakes are produced in factories that support child labor or fund organized crime. No thank you!

All of these are obvious reason enough why you shouldn’t purchase a fake designer item.

However, for me where it’s more about the history of these brands. As a true lover of luxury, it’s not about owning an expensive item just so everyone can see it – it’s about the quality and craftsmanship of these items. Once you have a real designer piece I don’t see how you could ever purchase a fake. The designer houses have been around for hundreds of years and create wearable pieces of art, in my opinion.

Fakes support the idea that you have to impress other people.

You’re not willing to spend the money for yourself but to show other people that you live a certain lifestyle and can afford these expensive pieces.

I personally buy items to enjoy them and to know that I will have it for years to come; not to make others feel a certain way about me. I feel like that thinking can get you in a lot of trouble.

I am not saying those who have fallen into the trap of buying a designer fake are bad people or that I am judging you on your purchase. I just think it is important to understand the key differences between a designer dupe and a fake so each person can make the choice they think is best.

If you are interested in purchasing a designer handbag, check out my previous blog post where I shared 6 tips on how you can afford a designer handbag. It’s a little more attainable than you might think.

What are your thoughts on the designer dupe vs fake debate? Feel free to share your opinion in the comment section below!