The Ethics of Dupe Culture
The ‘dupe’ phenomenon has been circling around the fashion and beauty industry for decades, but its rise in recent years begs the question: has it gone too far? When does it become unethical? Our generation is no stranger to dupes – from Ego and Primark releasing their famous UGG knockoffs, to the viral Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Filter dupe, Elf’s Halo Glow. Products like these can provide an affordable alternative for more expensive, higher-end products. With the fashion and beauty world rooted in ‘copying culture’, it is difficult to know where to draw the line. However, when it involves big brands seemingly ripping off small, independent businesses’ original ideas, the dupe’s unethical nature comes out to play.
Matilda Djerf & Djerf Avenue
The downfall of Matilda Djerf’s brand Djerf Avenue is a perfect example of the complex nature of dupe culture. The cancelling of Djerf Avenue began when creators on social media platforms such as TikTok were promoting more affordable dupes of Djerf Avenue pieces on websites such as Amazon. These creators saw their videos being flagged for trademark warnings and violations. It was then later revealed that Djerf and her team were allegedly copy-striking small creators accounts for promoting these dupes. The promotion of these Amazon dupes of Djerf pieces like the iconic printed pyjama set by creators such as Anna Davis and Rachel Jenkins went viral for their affordability and similarity in quality. However, this resulted in Djerf herself putting out a statement on her Instagram saying:
“Unfortunately, there has been a recent surge in websites selling products with our design and owned prints/artworks. In light of this, and to safeguard our prints and the individual print designers – we have an external intellectual property (IP) firm monitoring copyright infringements.”
@matildadjerf on Instagram
At first glance, one may feel obliged to sympathise with Djerf herself. However, when delving deeper, this initial sympathy can seem misplaced. Djerf’s prices range from approximately £30 – £240, with many of her pieces arguably being priced too high for what they are, as seen with her Daily Turtleneck Top retailing for £65.
Backlash quickly swarmed Djerf’s TikTok, with users pointing out that she didn’t invent ‘Scandinavian Style’. Several claimed the severity of her response – essentially threatening legal action – was as if she had created the style herself. Following this, Djerf deactivated her TikTok account. The brand, however, is still very much alive. The Swedish Company gained immense popularity for its non-seasonal and timeless pieces that embraced a simple and classic style. These items – pieces like classic button-ups and blazers – supposedly help you achieve a ‘time capsule’ wardrobe. However, whilst the company appeared at the time of the Scandinavian Style popularity peak, Djerf herself isn’t responsible for creating the style altogether. We are left to question whether she has the grounds to be so enraged that affordable dupes of her essentially unoriginal items were being promoted online.
It is evident that Djerf’s issue isn’t her price range but rather the false belief that she created the “clean girl, Scandinavian style” that has been popular for some time. This style has been successfully promoted for a considerable amount of time by a number of other creators, including Alva Blomdahl and Sofia Grindeland. Thus, the question of when dupes turn unethical and when the boundary is crossed remains. This epitome of unethical behaviour, in my opinion, occurs when a unique concept or product is copied or imitated, as opposed to a brand that has supported a style that is already in vogue, such as Djerf Avenue. Here a more reasonably priced item of very similar quality is being promoted instead – not an exploitative, unethical dupe. This makes these Scandinavian pieces more accessible to a wider audience – making it possible for more people to purchase, wear, and enjoy these timeless pieces – as well as being able to create a time capsule wardrobe similar to Matilda’s.
Plagiarising Designs, From Transformations by Tracy to Levi’s
The many instances in which large corporations have plagiarised the concepts and works of independent businesses that come from people’s own ideas demonstrate the nastiness and unethical nature of dupe culture. Dupes are a rare occurrence because the fashion and beauty industries are known for their “copy” culture through its roots in absorbing cues from one’s environment. That’s not to argue, though, that dupe culture isn’t immoral. There are plenty of instances of small businesses being shamelessly taken advantage of, like Tracy Garcia’s brand Transformations by Tracy in 2021. Shein is no stranger to ripping off other brands’ ideas either. They have faced numerous backlashes from brands such as Levi’s who have claimed Shein has outright copied their trademarks and pieces. Tracy Garcia’s case, however, is one of significant violations. Tracy’s brand was known for its sustainable, one-of-a-kind silk cami blouses that were sold on Etsy. She was horrified to discover that Shein had been ripping off her designs and selling replicas that were not of sustainable value. Upon her graduation from the Fashion Institute of Technology, she made sustainability her priority – especially after she had encountered how fast-fashion companies had operated through her internships and work experiences. This was devastating for her. Tracy’s horrific case is one of a multitude of examples of the negative and unethical side of dupe culture, and is a prime example of this ethics line being crossed.
Image Credit: www.theguardian.com
The controversy that comes with dupe culture is unavoidable. How definitive its ethics, however, is certainly up for discussion.
To conclude, this ethics debate regarding dupe culture is one of complexity and an array of differing opinions. When does it go too far? How do you define when it’s okay and when it’s not? Are dupes always going to be unethical or can they be ethical? The controversy that comes with dupe culture is unavoidable. How definitive its ethics, however, is certainly up for discussion. To conclude, we have to ask ourselves: if the product isn’t of sheer original and unique creation by an individual or a brand, is the dupe bad, or is it simply opening up the advantages of these viral products to a wider audience?
120 Comments
Love this!
Loved this article so much !!
Love it!
hiI like your writing so much share we be in contact more approximately your article on AOL I need a specialist in this area to resolve my problem Maybe that is you Looking ahead to see you
Excellent article!
you are truly a just right webmaster The site loading speed is incredible It kind of feels that youre doing any distinctive trick In addition The contents are masterwork you have done a great activity in this matter
Amazing article, fantastic insight into dupe culture.
I’m a content creator and guest post expert, I have some clients for your site I want to directly deal with you for regular work, please let me know how to proceed
If you respond to me soon and positively, then I will give you the first piece of content to publish that is ready
please reply as soon as possible
waiting for your reply, please reply as soon as possible,
What’s upp mates, pleasannt piece off wrting aand golod arguuments commented att
thijs place, I am really enjoying bby these.
Thanx for the effort, keep up the good work Great work, I am going to start a small Blog Engine course work using your site I hope you enjoy blogging with the popular BlogEngine.net.Thethoughts you express are really awesome. Hope you will right some more posts.
Definitely imagine that which you stated. Your favourite justification seemed to be on the internet the easiest thing to remember of. I say to you, I certainly get irked whilst other people consider worries that they plainly do not recognise about. You controlled to hit the nail upon the top as well as outlined out the entire thing without having side effect , other people could take a signal. Will likely be back to get more. Thank you
Профессиональный сервисный центр по ремонту бытовой техники с выездом на дом.
Мы предлагаем: сервисные центры в москве
Наши мастера оперативно устранят неисправности вашего устройства в сервисе или с выездом на дом!
Super informative post! I’ll definitely be saving this for later.
This was such a pleasure to read! Thanks for sharing your expertise.
You did a great job explaining this! Thanks for the insights.
i1smkb
I conceive you have mentioned some very interesting points, appreciate it for the post.
Thank you for the sensible critique. Me and my neighbor were just preparing to do a little research on this. We got a grab a book from our local library but I think I learned more clear from this post. I am very glad to see such magnificent info being shared freely out there.
I gotta bookmark this internet site it seems very beneficial very helpful
This is the right blog for anyone who wants to find out about this topic. You realize so much its almost hard to argue with you (not that I actually would want…HaHa). You definitely put a new spin on a topic thats been written about for years. Great stuff, just great!
Loving the information on this internet site, you have done outstanding job on the content.
I keep listening to the news update talk about receiving boundless online grant applications so I have been looking around for the most excellent site to get one. Could you advise me please, where could i get some?
I think this is among the most important info for me. And i’m glad reading your article. But want to remark on few general things, The web site style is wonderful, the articles is really excellent : D. Good job, cheers
Hey very cool website!! Man .. Excellent .. Superb .. I’ll bookmark your site and take the feeds alsoKI’m glad to search out a lot of useful information right here in the submit, we need develop more techniques on this regard, thank you for sharing. . . . . .
I?¦ve recently started a site, the info you provide on this site has helped me tremendously. Thank you for all of your time & work.
certainly like your website but you have to check the spelling on several of your posts. Many of them are rife with spelling problems and I find it very bothersome to tell the reality on the other hand I will surely come back again.
Regards for all your efforts that you have put in this. very interesting info .
certainly like your web site but you need to check the spelling on several of your posts. Many of them are rife with spelling problems and I find it very bothersome to tell the truth nevertheless I’ll certainly come back again.
I’m not that much of a internet reader to be honest but your sites really nice, keep it up! I’ll go ahead and bookmark your site to come back in the future. Many thanks
I have read a few just right stuff here. Certainly worth bookmarking for revisiting. I surprise how so much effort you put to create the sort of excellent informative web site.
O Cupom da Vez é um aplicativo inovador que permite aos usuários ganhar dinheiro extra ao avaliar produtos e cupons em categorias como vestuário, eletrônicos, itens domésticos e muito mais.
FemiPro is a dietary supplement tailored specifically for women’s health, focusing on hormonal balance, energy, mood, and general well-being.
Very interesting info!Perfect just what I was looking for!
Hi my friend! I want to say that this article is amazing, nice written and come with almost all important infos. I?¦d like to look extra posts like this .
I was very pleased to find this web-site.I wanted to thanks for your time for this wonderful read!! I definitely enjoying every little bit of it and I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you blog post.
Keep working ,fantastic job!
Throughout the awesome design of things you actually receive a B- just for effort and hard work. Where you actually misplaced me ended up being in all the details. You know, they say, the devil is in the details… And that couldn’t be much more true here. Having said that, permit me reveal to you what exactly did deliver the results. The text is rather convincing which is most likely the reason why I am taking the effort to opine. I do not make it a regular habit of doing that. Next, whilst I can notice the leaps in reasoning you make, I am not convinced of how you seem to unite the details which inturn make the actual final result. For the moment I will, no doubt yield to your position but trust in the near future you actually link your facts better.
This is very interesting, You’re a very skilled blogger. I’ve joined your feed and look forward to seeking more of your wonderful post. Also, I’ve shared your website in my social networks!
I will immediately take hold of your rss feed as I can’t in finding your e-mail subscription link or e-newsletter service. Do you’ve any? Kindly let me understand in order that I may subscribe. Thanks.
It is perfect time to make some plans for the future and it is time to be happy. I have read this post and if I could I wish to suggest you few interesting things or tips. Perhaps you can write next articles referring to this article. I desire to read even more things about it!
I am lucky that I noticed this website, just the right information that I was looking for! .
It’s hard to search out educated people on this topic, but you sound like you understand what you’re talking about! Thanks
Hello! I could have sworn I’ve been to this blog before but after browsing through some of the post I realized it’s new to me. Anyways, I’m definitely happy I found it and I’ll be book-marking and checking back frequently!
This site can be a walk-through for all the information you wished about this and didn’t know who to ask. Glimpse here, and also you’ll definitely discover it.
There’s noticeably a bundle to find out about this. I assume you made sure nice points in options also.
An interesting discussion is worth comment. I think that you should write more on this topic, it might not be a taboo subject but generally people are not enough to speak on such topics. To the next. Cheers
I dugg some of you post as I thought they were very beneficial extremely helpful
I wanted to thank you for this great read!! I definitely enjoying every little bit of it I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you post…
Great remarkable things here. I?¦m very glad to see your post. Thanks a lot and i’m having a look forward to touch you. Will you please drop me a mail?
F*ckin’ remarkable things here. I’m very glad to see your post. Thanks a lot and i am looking forward to contact you. Will you please drop me a e-mail?
Very interesting info !Perfect just what I was searching for! “I live in company with a body, a silent companion, exacting and eternal.” by Eugene Delacroix.
Somebody essentially help to make significantly articles I’d state. This is the very first time I frequented your web page and thus far? I amazed with the analysis you made to create this particular post amazing. Fantastic task!
Really Appreciate this article, can I set it up so I receive an alert email when there is a new update?
WONDERFUL Post.thanks for share..more wait .. …
Wow, incredible blog structure! How long have you ever been running a blog for? you made blogging glance easy. The total look of your site is magnificent, as neatly as the content!
Incredible! This blog looks just like my old one! It’s on a totally different subject but it has pretty much the same layout and design. Excellent choice of colors!
I know this if off topic but I’m looking into starting my own blog and was curious what all is needed to get set up? I’m assuming having a blog like yours would cost a pretty penny? I’m not very web savvy so I’m not 100 positive. Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated. Kudos
Hi, I think your site might be having browser compatibility issues. When I look at your website in Safari, it looks fine but when opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping. I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other then that, fantastic blog!
I have been surfing on-line more than 3 hours as of late, yet I by no means found any fascinating article like yours. It’s beautiful worth enough for me. In my opinion, if all webmasters and bloggers made good content material as you did, the internet can be much more helpful than ever before.
Thanks so much for providing individuals with an exceptionally breathtaking chance to check tips from this web site. It is always so enjoyable and stuffed with a good time for me personally and my office acquaintances to visit the blog more than three times weekly to see the newest guidance you have got. And indeed, we are actually astounded with the breathtaking thoughts served by you. Selected 4 facts on this page are completely the most suitable we have ever had.
Very interesting details you have noted, thankyou for putting up. “The biggest fool may come out with a bit of sense when you least expect it.” by Eden Phillpotts.
I was suggested this website through my cousin. I’m not positive whether or not this publish is written by way of him as no one else recognise such precise about my trouble. You are incredible! Thank you!
Wow! Thank you! I continuously wanted to write on my blog something like that. Can I take a part of your post to my site?
Saved as a favorite, I really like your blog!
Awesome website you have here but I was wondering if you knew of any discussion boards that cover the same topics talked about in this article? I’d really like to be a part of group where I can get responses from other experienced people that share the same interest. If you have any suggestions, please let me know. Kudos!
With havin so much content and articles do you ever run into any problems of plagorism or copyright infringement? My blog has a lot of completely unique content I’ve either authored myself or outsourced but it seems a lot of it is popping it up all over the web without my permission. Do you know any methods to help protect against content from being stolen? I’d definitely appreciate it.
Hi there, just became aware of your blog through Google, and found that it is really informative. I’m gonna watch out for brussels. I’ll appreciate if you continue this in future. Numerous people will be benefited from your writing. Cheers!
I am writing to make you be aware of what a amazing experience my cousin’s girl gained checking your site. She came to find many issues, with the inclusion of what it’s like to possess a wonderful coaching mood to make many others just master a number of impossible subject matter. You undoubtedly surpassed her expected results. Thanks for producing those insightful, safe, explanatory and also easy thoughts on your topic to Lizeth.
Great V I should certainly pronounce, impressed with your web site. I had no trouble navigating through all tabs and related information ended up being truly easy to do to access. I recently found what I hoped for before you know it at all. Quite unusual. Is likely to appreciate it for those who add forums or something, website theme . a tones way for your client to communicate. Nice task..
That is the fitting weblog for anyone who needs to find out about this topic. You realize so much its virtually laborious to argue with you (not that I truly would want…HaHa). You definitely put a brand new spin on a topic thats been written about for years. Nice stuff, simply nice!
You made some nice points there. I did a search on the subject matter and found most persons will agree with your website.
I am always invstigating online for ideas that can assist me. Thx!
I love your writing style genuinely loving this internet site.
Thank you for helping out, great information. “The health of nations is more important than the wealth of nations.” by Will Durant.
Wonderful site. A lot of helpful info here. I am sending it to a few pals ans also sharing in delicious. And certainly, thank you in your effort!
Great line up. We will be linking to this great article on our site. Keep up the good writing.
Great post. I was checking continuously this blog and I’m impressed! Extremely helpful info specifically the last part 🙂 I care for such information much. I was looking for this particular information for a very long time. Thank you and good luck.
An interesting discussion is worth comment. I think that you should write more on this topic, it might not be a taboo subject but generally people are not enough to speak on such topics. To the next. Cheers
I consider something genuinely special in this internet site.
Your place is valueble for me. Thanks!…
Thanks for all of the efforts on this site. Betty take interest in going through investigation and it is easy to see why. My spouse and i hear all concerning the powerful way you provide functional items by means of the blog and as well as boost contribution from some other people on that article then our favorite daughter has been starting to learn a lot. Have fun with the remaining portion of the year. You’re the one carrying out a good job.
You should take part in a contest for one of the best blogs on the web. I will recommend this site!
It is appropriate time to make some plans for the future and it’s time to be happy. I’ve read this post and if I could I desire to suggest you few interesting things or suggestions. Perhaps you could write next articles referring to this article. I wish to read even more things about it!
I’m not sure why but this website is loading very slow for me. Is anyone else having this issue or is it a issue on my end? I’ll check back later on and see if the problem still exists.
Some truly nice stuff on this web site, I enjoy it.
Please let me know if you’re looking for a author for your weblog. You have some really great posts and I believe I would be a good asset. If you ever want to take some of the load off, I’d love to write some content for your blog in exchange for a link back to mine. Please shoot me an email if interested. Cheers!
Great post. I am facing a couple of these problems.
Very well written post. It will be useful to anybody who utilizes it, including yours truly :). Keep up the good work – can’r wait to read more posts.
I do agree with all of the ideas you’ve presented in your post. They’re very convincing and will definitely work. Still, the posts are very short for novices. Could you please extend them a bit from next time? Thanks for the post.
It’s appropriate time to make some plans for the future and it is time to be happy. I have read this post and if I could I want to suggest you few interesting things or suggestions. Maybe you can write next articles referring to this article. I wish to read more things about it!
Youre so cool! I dont suppose Ive read anything like this before. So nice to search out somebody with some unique ideas on this subject. realy thanks for starting this up. this website is one thing that is needed on the internet, someone with a bit originality. useful job for bringing something new to the web!
Would love to perpetually get updated outstanding website! .
As I website possessor I think the written content here is very fantastic, thanks for your efforts.
I am now not sure the place you’re getting your information, however great topic. I must spend a while learning much more or working out more. Thank you for fantastic info I was on the lookout for this info for my mission.
An fascinating discussion is value comment. I feel that you must write extra on this matter, it won’t be a taboo topic but typically people are not enough to speak on such topics. To the next. Cheers
I wish to express some thanks to this writer for bailing me out of this difficulty. As a result of scouting through the search engines and finding ways which were not pleasant, I was thinking my life was over. Being alive devoid of the solutions to the difficulties you have resolved by way of your main guideline is a crucial case, as well as the kind which might have badly damaged my entire career if I had not come across your web page. Your personal capability and kindness in handling the whole lot was important. I am not sure what I would’ve done if I had not encountered such a subject like this. It’s possible to at this moment look ahead to my future. Thank you very much for this reliable and result oriented guide. I will not hesitate to refer your web blog to any person who needs to have guidelines on this topic.
I have not checked in here for some time as I thought it was getting boring, but the last few posts are great quality so I guess I?¦ll add you back to my daily bloglist. You deserve it my friend 🙂
I absolutely love your blog and find many of your post’s to be what precisely I’m looking for. Would you offer guest writers to write content to suit your needs? I wouldn’t mind producing a post or elaborating on some of the subjects you write with regards to here. Again, awesome web site!
Very nice post. I just stumbled upon your weblog and wished to say that I’ve really enjoyed surfing around your blog posts. In any case I’ll be subscribing to your rss feed and I hope you write again very soon!
I will immediately seize your rss as I can not in finding your email subscription hyperlink or newsletter service. Do you have any? Kindly permit me understand so that I may just subscribe. Thanks.
Thanks a lot for giving everyone an extraordinarily remarkable possiblity to read articles and blog posts from here. It is usually so fantastic and full of a lot of fun for me and my office colleagues to search your web site more than 3 times a week to read the latest guidance you have got. And indeed, we’re certainly pleased with the perfect thoughts you give. Selected 2 tips on this page are unquestionably the simplest we’ve ever had.
Thank you, I’ve recently been searching for information about this subject for ages and yours is the greatest I have discovered till now. But, what about the conclusion? Are you sure about the source?
Thank you so much for giving everyone an extraordinarily marvellous possiblity to discover important secrets from this blog. It is often so awesome plus full of fun for me personally and my office peers to search your website particularly 3 times a week to read through the fresh guidance you will have. And of course, I am also at all times astounded with all the attractive concepts you serve. Selected 4 points on this page are essentially the best I have ever had.
You could certainly see your enthusiasm in the work you write. The world hopes for even more passionate writers like you who aren’t afraid to say how they believe. Always follow your heart.
I have been exploring for a little bit for any high-quality articles or weblog posts in this sort of space . Exploring in Yahoo I at last stumbled upon this web site. Studying this information So i?¦m happy to show that I’ve a very just right uncanny feeling I came upon exactly what I needed. I most no doubt will make certain to don?¦t forget this web site and give it a look regularly.
I enjoy your writing style genuinely enjoying this website .
Very interesting info!Perfect just what I was looking for!
I always was concerned in this topic and stock still am, thankyou for putting up.
F*ckin’ remarkable things here. I am very glad to see your article. Thanks a lot and i am looking forward to contact you. Will you please drop me a e-mail?
I enjoy your piece of work, appreciate it for all the interesting articles.
Very interesting points you have noted, appreciate it for putting up.
Nice post. I was checking continuously this blog and I’m inspired! Very helpful info specifically the ultimate section 🙂 I take care of such information a lot. I was looking for this particular info for a very long time. Thank you and best of luck.
Very superb visual appeal on this website , I’d rate it 10 10.
Unquestionably believe that which you stated. Your favorite reason appeared to be on the internet the easiest thing to be aware of. I say to you, I certainly get annoyed while people consider worries that they just do not know about. You managed to hit the nail upon the top as well as defined out the whole thing without having side effect , people could take a signal. Will likely be back to get more. Thanks
Explore a wide range of unique cycling gear, including jerseys, bib shorts, and custom designs. Perfect for every cyclist, from casual riders to pros. High-quality materials, standout designs, and options for personalization make it easy to find the perfect fit for you or your team. Shop now and ride in style!
I got good info from your blog
Hiya, I am really glad I have found this information. Nowadays bloggers publish just about gossips and internet and this is actually annoying. A good site with interesting content, this is what I need. Thank you for keeping this website, I’ll be visiting it. Do you do newsletters? Can not find it.
This design is wicked! You obviously know how to keep a reader entertained. Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved to start my own blog (well, almost…HaHa!) Fantastic job. I really enjoyed what you had to say, and more than that, how you presented it. Too cool!
I have been checking out some of your articles and i must say clever stuff. I will make sure to bookmark your blog.
I’d need to verify with you here. Which is not something I often do! I take pleasure in reading a submit that may make folks think. Additionally, thanks for permitting me to comment!