Part 3/12:
To understand why dupes appeal to young consumers, we spoke with TikTok influencer Daniel, a 24-year-old who has garnered over 70,000 followers by sharing his perspective on affordable beauty solutions. Daniel revealed that he often creates his own versions of luxury items—like a bag he made himself using online templates—highlighting the creative and manifestational aspect of dupe culture.
He pointed out that for students and budget-conscious shoppers, the appeal lies in getting the look or vibe without paying premium prices. For example, Daniel wears clothing items that are marked as D (for dupe) — including budget-friendly t-shirts, pants, and shoes — which he considers to be comparable in quality, emphasizing good value over brand prestige.