For anyone that hasn’t heard of the theory before, trickle-down is a hierarchical trend diffusion. This is where large names in a particular market establish the current fashions that then influence the rest of the segment. You can soon see the correlation in styles and looks with companies competing in the overall market, and their selling point to their customers, the price.
Theory Origin
This theory has been around since approximately the 1950s, where the beginning of the class structure started to disappear. Around this time you saw less of an impact of class, as what was seen as the lower and working-class began to get hold of current trends and styles that would have only been offered to the higher classes.
Market For Cheaper Alternatives
This was the beginning of a market for cheaper alternatives, expensive products started to be recreated in a wider, mass-production in cheaper materials to then be sold at a cheaper price.
There started to be an outlook on society that why should it only be the people with the most money being able to enjoy the finer things in life, as a lot of people still admired and wanted high-end designer products, it is understandable why a market for cheaper substitutes became available.
Trickle Down In Interior Design
Interior designs continuous return to traditional decorating styles has created a large market for designs such as mid-century modern products, this can be in the form of look-a-likes or direct reproductions of original designs. Replica furniture can be found to be sold everywhere, even large furniture design companies are selling direct reproductions or own designs that have a lot of resemblances to authentic designer furniture. Due to trends, interior designers are looking back instead of forwards for current creations.
Following The Demand
This isn’t a result of designers having no original ideas, but the fact that they need to provide what is in demand, so it can compete in the market and make a profit for the business.
Price is one of the biggest reasons why designer furniture is replicated directly or in a similar style. Buying an original mid-century designer piece can range from £375 for a single side chair, to around £7,500 for a lounge chair. This explains why there is a market for more affordable reproductions of these products.
Even people who can afford the price of the originals aren’t always ready to spend that much on them, due to the big commitment and investment it costs. Even large, influential interior designers, that have a love for the industry, are buying reproductions for the reason that it’s not always seen as the right decision, even if they can afford the high-end price budget.
The expected outcome of marks and scratches on furniture from day to day use can put people off paying large amounts for furniture, as at some point you will most likely find that you will want the product replacing, or sometimes a new, redecorated interior style can mean your previous furniture doesn’t fit in anymore.
Poor vs High-Quality Reproductions
There seems to be a perception of designer imitations that they’re poorly made and are bad quality, in some cases, this may be true, however, there are some furniture reproduction companies that care and take pride in their products. They set out to provide a more cost-effective alternative to a wider majority of people and individuals that admire the iconic, timeless designs. Trustworthy replica designer furniture can be hardwearing and last as well as other furniture produced.