Bargain knock offs of high end fashion are saving Aussies hundreds of dollars

Aussies who want a taste of luxury fashion goods can do it at a fraction of the cost — and in many cases saving hundreds, if not thousands of dollars.

Tileah Dobson and Adella Beaini

2 min read

May 17, 2024 - 12:29PM

News Corp Australia Network

Fashion

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Cut price retailers are giving Australians a chance to experience luxury fashion at a fraction of the price.

Department stores Kmart and Big W, and clothing chain Cotton On have taken the phrase “same same but different” to a new level, by selling dupes of some of the world’s best designs.

Savvy customers can snap up knock-offs of Burberry, Far Fetch, Victoria Beckham and Stella McCartney – with price tags typically stretching into the thousands of dollars – for as little as $15.

Big W is even offering a replica of the widely-acclaimed product of 2023 – the Adidas Samba white sneaker – for $25.

A spokesperson for Big W said customers were “looking for more value without compromising on style and design”.

“Our in-house Australian designers make it easy to create a designer look without the hefty price tag,” the spokesperson said.

Burberry Long Waterloo Heritage Trench Coat – $4390. Picture: Supplied

Big W &me Women’s Trench Coat – $31.50. Picture: Supplied

Roy Morgan’s Retail & Consumer Trends Expert Laura Demasi said fashion dupes were especially popular with young adults.

“Half of 18-24 years shop at discount stores – that's 1.16 million people every month and this has increased by 10 per cent in the last 12 months,” Ms Demasi said.

“This increase is really interesting – as it’s not seen among the total population, just the under 24s.

“This tells us that discount stores are resonating with younger people more and more, likely a mix of cost of living pressures and the rise of knock-offs and dupes, and not just in clothing but beauty too.”

Fashionistas not prepared to compromise on designer originals can still save by opting for stores with big buying power, like TK Maxx.

Social media is also alight with bargain hacks, as a network of hip-pocket aware shoppers generously share their fashion finds.

“I definitely get tip offs from people. Like if I share something that I like, then people might say ‘oh did you know it’s on sale here?” fashion-lover Eliza Reid said.

Eliza Reid loves saving money by finding dupes and shares them to her 130k followers on Instagram @ bargain_homewares. Supplied

The 32-year-old regularly posts her discovered dupes on Instagram, and one of her 130,000 followers tipped her into the Big W Sambas.

“I went straight there (Big W), bought myself a pair and they are the best ones I’ve seen so far,” she said.

“There are a few other stores that do them as well, like Cotton On, but these are the best and so comfortable.”

With many Aussies under financial stress, Miss Reid said replica wares were the way to go

“Obviously people after paying their rent or mortgage and putting food on their table, they don’t have the money to go and spend on high end brands,” she said.