Dupe (product)

The concept of knockoff clothing dates back to the early 1900s, when designers would copy clothing from Paris fashion houses. In the United States, department stores would manufacture copies of the latest popular designs from Paris or worn by Hollywood performers. Around 1913, French designer [[Paul Poiret]] discovered inexpensive replicas of his designs were being sold in the United States. In the 1940s, around the time designers began putting visible labels on their clothing, French fashion houses like [[Chanel]] and [[Dior]] would license their designs and provide materials to American department stores to manufacture knockoffs, which would be sold alongside their higher-priced authentic counterparts.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-12-13 |title=A Deep Dive Into Fashion’s Obsession With Fakes |url=https://www.wmagazine.com/fashion/fake-designer-bags-clothes-spring-2023-runway |access-date=2023-05-19 |website=W Magazine |language=en}}</ref>

The concept of knockoff clothing dates back to the early 1900s, when designers would copy clothing from Paris fashion houses. In the United States, department stores would manufacture copies of the latest popular designs from Paris or worn by Hollywood performers. Around 1913, French designer [[Paul Poiret]] discovered inexpensive replicas of his designs were being sold in the United States. In the 1940s, around the time designers began putting visible labels on their clothing, French fashion houses like [[Chanel]] and [[Dior]] would license their designs and provide materials to American department stores to manufacture knockoffs, which would be sold alongside their higher-priced authentic counterparts.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-12-13 |title=A Deep Dive Into Fashion’s Obsession With Fakes |url=https://www.wmagazine.com/fashion/fake-designer-bags-clothes-spring-2023-runway |access-date=2023-05-19 |website=W Magazine |language=en}}</ref>

[[Apparel]] (clothing, shoes, accessories, etc.) are classified as "functional items" and their designs are generally not protected by [[copyright law]]s in the many countries, including the United States and United Kingdom.<ref name="BoF20160314">[https://www.businessoffashion.com/community/voices/discussions/what-is-the-real-cost-of-copycats/fashions-copycat-economy "What are the consequences of copycats?"], by Helena Pike, March 14, 2016, ''Business of Fashion''</ref> According to the [[United States Copyright Office|U.S. Copyright Office]], designs of useful articles like clothing and accessories are only protected "to the extent that, such design incorporates pictorial, graphic, or sculptural features that can be identified separately from, and are capable of existing independently of, the utilitarian aspects of the article."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tongco |first=Tricia |date=2016-08-29 |title=The Absurd Reason Why Corporations Can Legally Get Away With Copying Fashion Designs |url=https://archive.attn.com/ |access-date=2023-05-19 |website=ATTN |language=en}}</ref> While some designs can be protected with a [[design patent]] that lasts 15 years, the cost and time to receive a design patent, which is typically over year, can be prohibitive due to the cyclical and seasonal nature of fashion.<ref>{{Cite web |last=TFL |date=2016-07-26 |title=Design Patents and Trade Dress: A Noteworthy Fashion Pairing |url=https://www.thefashionlaw.com/design-patents-and-trade-dress-a-noteworthy-fashion-pairing/ |access-date=2023-05-19 |website=The Fashion Law |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2013-09-12 |title=Fashion designers look to patents to fight knockoffs |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/cbusiness-us-usa-fashion-newyork-patents-idCABRE98B0H420130912 |access-date=2023-05-19 |work=Reuters |language=en}}</ref>

[[Apparel]] (clothing, shoes, accessories, etc.) are classified as "functional items" and their designs are generally not protected by [[copyright law]]s in the many countries, including the United States and United Kingdom.<ref name="BoF20160314">[https://www.businessoffashion.com/community/voices/discussions/what-is-the-real-cost-of-copycats/fashions-copycat-economy "What are the consequences of copycats?"], by Helena Pike, March 14, 2016, ''Business of Fashion''</ref> According to the [[United States Copyright Office|U.S. Copyright Office]], designs of useful articles like clothing and accessories are only protected "to the extent that, such design incorporates pictorial, graphic, or sculptural features that can be identified separately from, and are capable of existing independently of, the utilitarian aspects of the article."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tongco |first=Tricia |date=2016-08-29 |title=The Absurd Reason Why Corporations Can Legally Get Away With Copying Fashion Designs |url=https://archive.attn.com/ |access-date=2023-05-19 |website=ATTN |language=en}}</ref> While some designs can be protected with a [[design patent]] that lasts 15 years, the cost and time to receive a design patent, which is typically over a year, can be prohibitive due to the cyclical and seasonal nature of fashion.<ref>{{Cite web |last=TFL |date=2016-07-26 |title=Design Patents and Trade Dress: A Noteworthy Fashion Pairing |url=https://www.thefashionlaw.com/design-patents-and-trade-dress-a-noteworthy-fashion-pairing/ |access-date=2023-05-19 |website=The Fashion Law |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2013-09-12 |title=Fashion designers look to patents to fight knockoffs |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/cbusiness-us-usa-fashion-newyork-patents-idCABRE98B0H420130912 |access-date=2023-05-19 |work=Reuters |language=en}}</ref>

'''Dupe culture''', driven largely by Gen Z and Millennials, has emerged as a significant trend in the shopping world. These generations are increasingly seeking out dupes, which are affordable alternatives to high-end products, in an effort to maintain style without breaking the bank. This movement is fueled by social media, where influencers and users share their favorite dupes, promoting accessibility and savvy shopping. High-end brands are encouraged to embrace this trend, recognizing the cultural shift towards valuing aesthetics and financial prudence.<ref name="Solá-2023" /><ref name="Hill-2024" /><ref name="Judkis-2023" />

'''Dupe culture''', driven largely by Gen Z and Millennials, has emerged as a significant trend in the shopping world. These generations are increasingly seeking out dupes, which are affordable alternatives to high-end products, in an effort to maintain style without breaking the bank. This movement is fueled by social media, where influencers and users share their favorite dupes, promoting accessibility and savvy shopping. High-end brands are encouraged to embrace this trend, recognizing the cultural shift towards valuing aesthetics and financial prudence.<ref name="Solá-2023" /><ref name="Hill-2024" /><ref name="Judkis-2023" />