This week Karen is taking a look at the phenomenon of dupes, copycats and designer inspired scents. But what really is a dupe, why and how are they created and, most importantly, why are they bad not just for the perfume industry but for the essence of perfumery.  KEY TAKEAWAYS What exactly is a dupe and why are they created? Karen explains.  Karen talks about why dupes and copycat scents are not just bad for the perfume industry but are bad practice for perfumers.  Karen breaks down the process companies go through to create scents based on pre-existing, successful perfumes. Karen talks about the rise in dupes in the marketplace and why they have become so popular. BEST MOMENTS  “Perfumery is an art form, an expression of emotion. To replicate somebody else's fragrance is to overlook the essence of what makes perfumery so special.” “When we buy an original scent we’re supporting the art and artist behind it,  we’re acknowledging the journey from inspiration to creation.” “By understanding classic perfume, aspiring perfumers can decode the magic behind particular scent combinations that have stood the test of time.”   VALUABLE RESOURCES Getting Started Guide Artisan Perfumery Mastermind   ABOUT THE HOST Fragrance expert, author, teacher and speaker; Karen Gilbert runs courses in the UK and online which demystify the secretive world of perfumery in a fun and interactive way.  Karen has inspired thousands of students to explore their olfactory sense and create their own personalised fragrances. With extensive product development experience in both the commercial perfumery and the organic skincare industry, Karen is able to offer a unique insight into creating natural and mixed media fragrances for fine fragrance, room scents and skincare/bodycare products using commercial perfumery techniques. Karen is also a certified meditation teacher and has a passion for helping people to create daily rituals that integrate scent with other modalities to shift state and increase your sense of wellbeing. CONTACT DETAILS Website Instagram Facebook YouTube Email