Did you always want to wear a high-end luxury perfume but could not do so due to its exorbitant price? Now, there is a way out — you can go for an alternative that closely resembles the scent of a designer brand but doesn’t cost a bomb.
Welcome to the world of perfume dupes, or inspired versions of luxury perfumes, that are gaining popularity worldwide, including in India. “In India, this segment holds the potential to disrupt the market dynamics due to its lower price point, catering to the price sensitivity prevalent in the market,” said Sandeep Ranade, head of quantitative research at global market research agency Hansa Research.
A key driving force behind the proliferation of these imitations or dupes is the evolving landscape of consumer preferences. “Social media and the increasing trend of full ingredient disclosure are playing pivotal roles in raising consumer awareness about these products, providing them with opportunities to explore options beyond established premium brands,” added Ranade.
Just to give you an idea, a Bleu de Chanel eau de parfum (EDP) may cost around Rupees 18,000 for a 100 ml bottle. However, an inspired version of the popular perfume can be had for just Rupees 999. Unless you are an expert, you won’t be able to make out the differences between the two.
Similarly, a Creed Aventus EDP is priced anywhere around Rupees 35,000, but a clone belonging to the same family of olfactory notes can come for Rupees 1,500, at the most. “Eventually there’s a transaction, though small, yet the industry generates revenue,” said Ayman Khamboshi, co-founder (operations) of Perfume Parlour India, a retailer of inspired perfumes based in Mumbai.
But what exactly is a dupe/imitation/ inspired version? How is it different from a counterfeit or fake perfume? “Inspired perfumes are crafted by skilled perfumers using a combination of aromatic compounds, essential oils and other fragrance ingredients to replicate or draw inspiration from popular scents. The goal is to capture the essence of the original fragrance while ensuring a unique formulation that adheres to legal and ethical standards. The artistry lies in creating a similar olfactory experience, often at a more accessible price point,” explained Khamboshi.
According to Manoj Arora, managing director of Sacheerome, a fragrance and flavour manufacturing company, perfume is the business of creativity and “inspired creative work is well accepted in our industry as long as the product is promising, unique, offers value for money and comes in attractive packaging”.
The difference between a counterfeit/fake and an inspired product is the brand and fragrance name (if copyrighted), packaging or design. For example, one cannot reproduce the label, box or design and sell it under the same name. “That will create legal problems. But one can sell a similar fragrance created elsewhere with a different packaging and a twist in the name,” Khamboshi said.
According to Khamboshi, there’s no law anywhere in the world that allows a perfume brand to copyright a fragrance. “It’s a smell, an emotion, and one cannot patent or copyright that. Legally speaking, brands often copy each other’s fragrances and sell them under different names,” he said.
For example, Vibrant Leather EDP by Zara is an inspired version of Creed Aventus. “The fragrance is quite similar, but Zara will have to be creative with the product presentation. And legally, they are free to do that,” he added.
As per available data, the global luxury perfume market reached an impressive size of $11.9 billion in 2022. It is expected to reach $19.5 billion by 2028, reflecting a notable compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.14% during the period of 2023-2028.
“While the rise of inspired fragrances is undeniable, luxury brands, known for their emphasis on exclusivity and quality, maintain a dedicated and loyal customer base,” added Ranade of Hansa Research.
According to Arora of Sacheerome, different companies and brands serve different categories of consumers, and the market is always driven by supply and demand.
“Both segments have their own set of loyal customer base. If the product is preferred, the consumer will stick to it irrespective of its price point,” he said.”At the end of the day, product pricing is just one of the many factors that govern a consumer’s purchasing decision,” he added.
