
Dupe Culture: What Are You Really Buying? With Bianca Le Page
Dupe Culture: What Are You Really Buying? Once upon a time, buying a knock-off was something to be embarrassed about. Now, consumers are proudly showing off their dupes, even when they can comfortably afford the original. So, what's changed? And what does our obsession with dupes tell us about the brands we're buying? In this episode, I'm joined by brand strategist Bianca Le Page to unpack the rise of dupe culture, the psychology behind it and what it means for brands on both sides of the equation. We discuss whether building a brand around imitation is a sustainable strategy, whether dupes damage the original brand or make it even more desirable, and why the original is always the reference point. From MCoBeauty and Charlotte Tilbury to Van Cleef & Arpels and e.l.f. Cosmetics, we're looking at the brands benefiting from dupe culture, the ones being copied, and the consumers no longer interested in pretending their purchases are the real deal. Plus, we look at how Lululemon turned the dupe trend into a clever campaign for its original Align leggings, and why e.l.f.'s brilliant So Many Dicks campaign demonstrates the difference between copying what other brands are doing and building a brand with an identity of its own. Come say hi Are you a proud dupe buyer, or will you always pay more for the original? I'd love to know where you stand. Find me on Instagram → @campaign_del_mar Extras → Explore The Village → Get Mia’s Mini Campaign Planner Guest: Bianca Le Page: B Known Brands Instagram References mentioned in this episode MCoBeauty – How the brand creates its dupes (ABC News) MERIT Beauty Van Cleef & Arpels dupes Lululemon – Align Leggings Dupe Swap campaign e.l.f. Beauty – So Many Dicks campaign Charlotte Tilbury vs MCoBeauty – ABC News













