I think there is another element involved - there is the desire not to ripped off. Many luxury goods are aesthetically pleasing, but total rip offs. Take the ridiculous fad of designer shower sandals/slides, an adidas one costs $25-$35 [1] a Gucci one ~$400 [2] but both probably cost about $5. The point I’m making is if you want Gucci slides (for whatever reasons), and you’re galled by the markup, replicas would seem to “solve” your problem (putting aside all other problems it creates).
[1]https://www.adidas.com/us/adilette-comfort-slides/GZ5892.htm...
[2]https://www.gucci.com/us/en/pr/men/shoes-for-men/slides-sand...