My impression after reading the article is that this is some sort of virtue signalling. "for many women in circles where social currency can be purchased, rep-b

My impression after reading the article is that this is some sort of virtue signalling. "for many women in circles where social currency can be purchased, rep-buying has evolved into a kind of edgy declaration of identity" I'd summarize it as: Look at how smart I am, I can get all the benefits of fashion for a fraction of the money while sticking it to "the man" and big corporations. Most people agree that overpriced fashion stuff is bad => You gain virtue points by hating them. Most people are still affected/impressed by fashion => You gain virtue points by owning it. Most people agree that getting more for less shows that you are smart => You gain virtue points by buying fakes. And apparently, the risk involved is also attractive to bored people. "have shared terrifying disciplinary letters sent directly from fashion houses. They typically contain grand threats — prison terms, multimillion-dollar fines — and are intended to shock and awe the recipients"