Price :$365
Price :$45
Winter fragrances are like that one friend who shows up to a party in head-to-toe velvet: bold, unapologetic, and impossible to ignore. This year, the spotlight’s on two vanilla-spice heavyweights—PDM Althair, the luxe niche darling, and Liquid Brun by French Avenue, its viral budget-friendly doppelgänger. One costs as much as a weekend getaway; the other, a dinner for two. But can a clone really compete with the original?
Spoiler: It’s complicated. Let’s unpack the hype, the ethics, and the actual differences.
Meet the Players
PDM Althair: The Niche Prodigy
Crafted by Parfums de Marly—a house synonymous with opulent, regal-inspired fragrances—Althair is the olfactory equivalent of sipping spiced chai in a five-star ski lodge. Launched in 2023, it’s a masterclass in gourmand sophistication, blending cinnamon, vanilla, and smoky benzoin into a scent that’s both cozy and commanding.
Notes breakdown:
It’s been dubbed “vanilla for people who think they hate vanilla” (Fragrantica agrees), thanks to its spicy depth and resinous undertones.
Liquid Brun: The TikTok-Famous Clone
Enter Liquid Brun by French Avenue, a 30−30−50 fragrance that’s flooded social media as a “dead ringer” for Althair. French Avenue isn’t shy about its inspiration, and fans swear it’s 95% identical. But let’s be real: clones thrive on accessibility, not artistry.
Notes breakdown (unofficial, but telling):
Spoiler: The devil’s in the details.
Clone vs. Original: The Cold, Hard Facts
Let’s cut through the noise with a side-by-side breakdown:
| Factor | PDM Althair | Liquid Brun |
|---|---|---|
| Price (100ml) | $365 | $45 (or less on sale) |
| Longevity | 10–12 hours (survives apocalypses) | 6–8 hours (fades like a polite guest) |
| Scent Profile | Smoky, layered, resinous vanilla | Linear, sweeter, less depth |
| Packaging | Heirloom-worthy bottle, gold accents | Minimalist, functional |
| Crowd Appeal | Niche enthusiasts, collectors | Budget shoppers, scent newbies |
Key Differences: Beyond the Price Tag
1. The Vanilla Isn’t Twins—They’re Cousins
Althair’s vanilla is a slow burn. The cinnamon hits first, followed by a smoky, almost leathery benzoin that keeps it from feeling like a bakery candle. Liquid Brun, meanwhile, goes straight for the sweet spot: its vanilla is creamier, louder, and simpler. Think “Althair’s extroverted younger sibling who skips the small talk.”
2. Performance: Niche vs. Budget Realities
PDM’s price isn’t just for the name. Althair’s sillage is a beast—it announces your entrance and lingers in rooms after you’ve left. Liquid Brun plays it safer, staying closer to the skin and tapping out around hour six. For all-day events? Althair reigns. For low-key office days? The clone works.
3. The Ethics of Dupes
Let’s address the elephant in the room: cloning fragrances sits in a legal gray area. While copying scent formulas isn’t illegal (they can’t be copyrighted), dupes like Liquid Brun ride the coattails of niche brands’ R&D and marketing. Purists argue it undermines artistry; pragmatists call it “democratizing luxury.” This Basenotes thread dives deeper into the debate.
When to Wear Which
Choose PDM Althair if…
- You’re a fragrance collector who values craftsmanship.
- You want a scent that evolves (spicy → smoky → creamy) over hours.
- You’re willing to invest in a bottle that doubles as decor.
Choose Liquid Brun if…
- You’re budget-conscious but crave Althair’s vibe.
- You prefer a straightforward, sugary vanilla-cinnamon blend.
- You’re testing the waters before splurging on niche.
The Bigger Picture: Why Clones Are Everywhere
Let’s be honest: $365 is steep for 100ml of perfume. Enter brands like French Avenue, Dossier, and Armaf, who’ve built empires on duping viral scents. Social media fuels the fire—TikTok alone has 250M+ views for #FragranceDupe.
But here’s the kicker: Clones rarely match the original’s magic. Differences in ingredient quality, oil concentration, and blending expertise matter. As one Redditor joked, “Liquid Brun is Althair’s Instagram vs. Reality—close, but filtered.”
The Verdict: Should You Buy the Clone?
Yes, but with managed expectations.
- For $30? Liquid Brun is a steal. It’s 80-90% there, perfect for daily wear or scent newbies.
- But Althair? It’s an experience. The depth, longevity, and artistry justify the splurge for serious fragrance lovers.
Final Spritz
At the end of the day, fragrance is personal. Clones like Liquid Brun aren’t “cheating”—they’re gateways. But they’re also reminders that true artistry (like Althair’s smoky vanilla wizardry) can’t be fully replicated.
So, whether you’re Team Original or Team Dupe, own your choice.
