NEW YORK (AP) — A $78 Walmart handbag resembling the coveted Hermès Birkin has sparked heated debate in the fashion world, with the budget-friendly alternative going viral on social media while luxury enthusiasts criticize the trend.
Nicknamed the “Wirkin” by TikTok users, the handbag has sold out on Walmart’s website as shoppers celebrate access to the iconic design, which typically costs upward of $9,000 for an authentic version. Videos under the hashtag #walmartbirkin have attracted millions of views.
“[For] $80, you can pretend that you got a Birkin,” said content creator Kristi in a viral video showcasing her emerald-colored bag. “Everybody’s gonna probably know it’s not, because who the hell has money to spend on a real Birkin?”
Luxury purists have condemned the trend, arguing that the knockoff disrespects the craftsmanship of authentic Birkins, which are handmade in Hermès’ French ateliers. Critics call carrying the dupe a “humiliation ritual” and criticize its promotion of fast fashion.
Hermès artistic director Pierre-Alexis Dumas recently addressed the mystique surrounding Birkin availability, denying rumors of spending requirements for customers. “We don’t have a marketing department at Hermès,” he told CBS News, attributing scarcity to meticulous handcrafting rather than strategy.
The authentic Birkin, favored by celebrities like Victoria Beckham and Melania Trump, can command hundreds of thousands at auction. However, social media users defend the dupe, with one commenting, “A bag should not cost more than a house.”
The controversy highlights growing tension between luxury fashion traditionalists and a new generation embracing affordable alternatives.