Fragrance twins – also known as dupes or perfume doppelgängers – are inspired by well-known designer scents and aim to recreate their character as closely as possible. Many such alternatives come from more affordable perfume houses or specialized dupe brands such as La Rive, Zara, Ard Al Zaafaran, Milton-Lloyd or Divain. Although they bear different names and often have slightly modified formulas, the similarity to the originals is frequently astonishing.
A classic among dupes is Zara Vibrant Leather, considered an alternative to Creed Aventus – a popular but very expensive niche fragrance. La Rive In Flames also strongly recalls Armani Si, while Ard Al Zaafaran Dirham is often described as a dupe of Versace Eros or Dior Sauvage – depending on the batch and perception. Divain No. 222 is frequently cited as a twin to Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540, one of the most sought-after luxury fragrances at the moment. Even the iconic Chanel No. 5 finds an affordable twin in Milton-Lloyd’s Summer Flowers, which comes surprisingly close for many people.
However, it is important to know that fragrance twins are not officially licensed or endorsed by the original brands – they therefore often operate in a legal grey area. Quality can vary greatly, even within the same brand, because fragrance formulas are sensitive to ingredients and production processes. Nevertheless, dupes are extremely popular because they make it possible to enjoy luxurious fragrance experiences at affordable prices – with small compromises, but often with a big impact.
