Everything you need to know about the 'Walmart Birkin'

The Hermés Birkin Bag named after iconic actor Jane Birkin, is one of the most coveted luxury handbags globally. The Birkin is far more than “just another handbag”—it’s a status symbol, signalling wealth, power, and an opulent lifestyle. It's safe to say, that while the brand takes pride in the quality of the bag, what makes it truly aspirational is the fact that owning a Birkin is no easy feat. Most buyers endure long waitlists, and the price ranges from $10,000 to over $500,000, depending on the material and design.

 

While the Birkin remains aspirational for high-end users as well, what exactly is a Wirkin bag, and why is it all over the internet? This holiday season, Walmart introduced bags that look quite similar to the Birkin, with a 70-something dollar price tag—not even close to what an Hermés Birkin would cost. 

The bag isn't titled Wirkin or a Birkin dupe on Walmart, but the term caught on social media. Within no time, the bag became a viral phenomenon with many budget shoppers happy about being able to own a similar-looking bag without having to conduct a heist. 

 

Having said that, this has sparked a debate as people have been questioning the accessibility of dupes. Is it really “acceptable” to own a knock-off? Or must one amass a certain amount of wealth to be a part of a certain strata of society? With the actual manufacturing cost being significantly lower than the retail cost of a Birkin, some enthusiasts argue that a owning Wirkin could be an acceptable solution for the “workin” class. The Wirkin offers practicality, functionality and a wallet-friendly approach to everyday fashionistas boasting the “fake it till you make it” mentality. It also taps into the dupe culture with consumers being able to flaunt trendy styles without burning a hole in their pocket.

 

However, will a cheaper alternative to the Birkin diminish its value? Honestly, even in India, you'll find a plethora of bags looking strikingly similar to the coveted Hermés bag. The brand, like other luxury brands, is dealing with similar-looking designs available in the market every now and then. The fashion house isn't intending to make a product that's everywhere. While the Walmart bag does that, the real Birkin still retains its exclusive status.

Lead image: Getty Images

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