What is DHGate?

In the world of fashion, there’s a secret that has managed to go unnoticed for years. A website, now an app, that could be considered the paradise of dupes. Perhaps out of shame, or a bit of gatekeeping, but despite its popularity, DHGate never truly broke into the mainstream – at least until a few days ago. The recent trade war between China and the United States has reignited the old debate on Made in China in the luxury scene, fueling rumors and suspicions about how much the major fashion groups actually depend on Chinese manufacturers. More and more users have started to wonder: if many luxury products are made in China and simply finished in Europe, what really is the difference between an original and a replica? And above all, why should we pay thousands of euros for an item that might have been produced in the exact same factory as its copy? Amid this chaos, DHGate has come forcefully back into the spotlight. The app – nicknamed «the little yellow app» by its most loyal users – has gone viral within days: it is currently the second most downloaded app on the US App Store and fourth on the Italian one. On TikTok, the hashtag #dhgatebag has surpassed 500 million views, with unboxing videos, shopping tips, and actual guides on how to navigate the sellers. But how does DHGate work?

Founded in 2004 and based in Beijing, DHGate is a B2B e-commerce platform (business-to-business) that connects Chinese suppliers with buyers around the world. Similar to Alibaba or Temu, it has evolved over time into a true hub of fast luxury, becoming the go-to for those looking for replicas of bags, shoes, and accessories from brands like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Hermès, or Dior – but also tech devices, sneakers, and jewelry. The catalog is vast, and the quality of the products varies greatly. We're not just talking about cheap dupes made of plastic or low-grade materials, but also 1:1 copies with perfect stitching, real leather, branded hardware, and even packaging identical to the originals: branded boxes, dust bags, certificates, and even RFID tags. A Chanel 22, for example, which costs €5,800 on the French Maison’s official website, is available on DHGate for about $300, shipping included. Same goes for the 30 cm suede Birkin, a collector’s item that can go for €30,000 on Vestiaire Collective, while on the Chinese app it's easily found for $260. Some sellers even offer the possibility to customize the item with initials or specific colors, depending on the client’s request. For fashion and collecting enthusiasts, the experience on DHGate can almost feel like a game. On subreddits like r/RepLadiesDesigner or r/FashionReps (which has 1.3 million users), users share detailed reviews, links to the best sellers, tips on avoiding scams, and even glossaries to decipher disguised product names (because “Chanel” becomes “Channel” or “CC bag,” and “Dior” turns into “D*or” to avoid legal issues).

Many first-time buyers, intrigued by the spreading social media content, are now wondering if buying on DHGate is truly safe. Generally, yes: the site has been active for over twenty years and uses a payment system with buyer protection, which releases funds only after order confirmation – similar to Vinted. As with any marketplace, there are more and less reliable sellers, which is why reviews, user-uploaded photos, and forums are essential tools for navigating it. Some users also recommend messaging sellers directly to ask for real photos or additional details, to avoid unpleasant surprises. Of course, the legal and ethical debate remains open. Technically DHGate is not an illegal platform, but buying replicas is not in line with the legal systems of many countries and can be seen as contributing to the fake economy. In reality, younger generations seem to have a much more fluid approach to dupes, as consumer focus is shifting from product origin to its aesthetics, functionality, and affordability. The ethical debate now not only questions the consumer’s actions but also those of luxury brands. If it turns out that luxury Maisons are indeed outsourcing production to China, is it fair to charge thousands of euros for a Made in China product? In a context where aspirational branding is increasingly under scrutiny, and transparency in manufacturing is still taboo for many luxury brands, DHGate has become a symbol – controversial, yet relevant – of the new era of global consumption.