Walmart has introduced a handbag that closely resembles the iconic Hermès Birkin, priced at $78–$102, drawing both admiration and criticism. Dubbed the “Walmart Birkin” or “Wirkin,” the affordable alternative has gained significant attention on TikTok, where users have shared unboxing and haul videos under the hashtag #walmartbirkin. Many have embraced the bag as a way to own a stylish accessory without the hefty price tag of the authentic Birkin, which can cost between $9,000 and hundreds of thousands of dollars.
The Hermès Birkin is renowned for its exclusivity and craftsmanship, with each bag handmade by skilled artisans in France. Critics of the dupe argue that it undermines the artistry of the original and promotes fast fashion. Beyond concerns about quality, some luxury enthusiasts warn that the rise of dupes could dilute brand value and impact the economic ecosystem supporting luxury artisans.
Supporters of the Walmart version, however, see it as a challenge to wealth inequality and excessive luxury pricing. Some have humorously commented that the dupe could make the Birkin bag “cheugy,” or unfashionable, while others see the accessibility as a step toward democratizing fashion. Comments online have ranged from quips about the “Wirkin” representing the “working class” to critiques of luxury consumerism.
the dream of becoming the 1% is astonishingly strong in this country, I wonder why 😀 The bag has become so popular that some versions have .
