Do You 'Clone It' or 'Own It'? (Re-up'd)

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Hey guys, Joe A. here with another one for ya'!

Okay, not an original tag line (IYKYK), but it still applies!! Clones are everywhere, and it's making the Empire look like a single child family!!

And look — let’s be honest — clones exist for a reason. Not everybody wants to drop niche prices just to experience a scent profile. Clones open doors. They let newer hobbyists smell styles they might never otherwise encounter. For many folks, that $35–$60 alternative is the gateway into understanding oud, ambers, gourmands, or that elusive “luxury” vibe we all chased at some point in our journey.

But here’s where it gets interesting…

When does inspiration become saturation? When does accessibility start crowding out originality? Because lately it feels like every time a new hit drops, ten houses are already loading the photocopier before the drydown even settles. Creativity sometimes feels like it’s fighting upstream against algorithm-approved sameness.

Now don’t get me wrong — some clones are fantastic. Some even tweak the formula enough to stand on their own two feet. Others? Well… they’re basically wearing someone else’s jersey with the name taped over. (I mean, Mayfield is the next Brady ?!?!)

So I’m curious...are clones a democratization of fragrance, making great scent experiences accessible to everyone? Or are we slowly drifting into a hobby where originality is becoming the real luxury?

What say you, guys? Are clones your entry point, your daily drivers, or something you avoid altogether? Have you ever preferred a clone over the original? And be honest… how many “inspired by” bottles would panic if the original walked into the room? Love to hear from ya’!

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