What’s the story behind Walmart’s £78 Hermès Birkin dupe breaking the Internet?
Discover how Walmart’s Wirkin bag disrupts fashion norms, sparks debate about dupes vs fakes and challenges the meaning of true luxury
The fashion world loves a good controversy, and the latest buzz is about Walmart’s Wirkin Bag—a $78 alternative to the legendary Hermès Birkin.
Made from genuine leather and available in multiple colours and sizes, the so-called Walmart Wirkin is redefining the concept of luxury by delivering high-end aesthetics at a fraction of the cost.
With TikTok users driving its popularity and shelves already emptied, this viral phenomenon raises an intriguing question: is it a brilliant dupe or a step too far into the world of fakes?
Why Walmart’s Take on the Hermès Birkin Has Taken the Internet by Storm
The Hermès Birkin is more than just a handbag; it’s a symbol of status, wealth, and exclusivity. With prices starting at $10,000 and an infamously long waitlist, owning a Birkin has become a privilege reserved for a select few.
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In contrast, Walmart’s Wirkin has been dubbed online as the “working-class Birkin.” It skips the long wait, outrageous price, and luxury-store mystique, making its design accessible to the masses.
But while the Wirkin has garnered praise for democratising style, it’s also ignited heated discussions. Birkin loyalists argue that the original bag’s allure lies in its craftsmanship, heritage, and scarcity—qualities that a $78 replica could never match. On the other hand, fans of the Wirkin see it as a way to embrace luxury-inspired fashion without breaking the bank.
Dupe vs. Fake: Where Do We Draw the Line?
In 2024, the Wirkin represents a growing trend: the popularity of dupes. Unlike outright counterfeits that aim to deceive by mimicking logos and trademarks, dupes acknowledge iconic designs without crossing into legal grey areas. Think of them as “inspired by” products—fashionable, affordable, and ethical in their approach to imitation.
@cbsmornings Walmart is making waves for offering an apparent lookalike of the coveted Hermès Birkin bag — typically priced at $10,000 and up — for under $100. 👜 #birkin #walmart #bag #hermes ♬ original sound - CBS Mornings
This trend resonates in an era when luxury prices are soaring, leaving even loyal customers feeling alienated. While traditional luxury brands emphasise exclusivity, alternatives like the Wirkin offer a sense of inclusivity. They challenge the status quo, prompting shoppers to reconsider whether owning the original product is worth the financial burden when a stylish and more affordable option is available.
What Walmart’s Wirkin Bag Means for the Future of Luxury
The Wirkin’s viral success underscores a larger shift in consumer values. Today’s shoppers are informed, budget-conscious, and less likely to buy into the mythos of unattainable luxury.
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However, it also raises existential questions for the high-fashion industry: If a $78 bag can mimic the look of a $10,000 icon, does the original lose its magic? Is luxury about the item itself or the story it tells about its owner?
For some, the answer lies in intention. An Hermès Birkin isn’t just a bag; it’s a carefully curated experience rooted in heritage and craftsmanship. However, in a world where trends constantly shift, the Wirkin proves that aesthetics can hold just as much appeal as authenticity—and at a far lower cost.
The Democratisation of Style
Supporters of Walmart’s Wirkin argue that it levels the playing field in fashion, allowing broader access to a luxury-inspired lifestyle. The success of the Wirkin also reflects a growing discontent with the exclusivity and inflated costs of traditional luxury brands.
On the flip side, critics worry that the proliferation of dupes dilutes the symbolic power of high-fashion items. The Birkin’s allure lies in its rarity, which mass-market alternatives inherently lack.
As the line between dupe and fake becomes increasingly blurred, the debate over whether these items celebrate or undermine luxury rages on.
Whether you see the Wirkin as a clever dupe or a sacrilegious knockoff, one thing is clear: it’s a cultural flashpoint. In a world that is increasingly defined by accessibility and viral trends, it forces us to rethink the meaning of exclusivity and whether true luxury can—or should—be democratised.
Angelo Ruggeri
Journalist and Master Course Tutor & Fashion Styling Course Leader, Milan