In the fashion industry, the Hermes Birkin bag is one of the most coveted bags in the entire world. For the most part, the value of a Birkin bag would retain its value after being purchased in store. But, the luxury brand is particular on who and how the bag is purchased.
Despite the bag being called a “Walmart Birkin” or the “Wirkin” it appears the superstore retail chain brand is not the manufacturer of this merchandise. The listing’s name brand is different on the Walmart market place.
The Birkin’s dupe, the “wirkin”
According to Forbes, fashionistas craving Hermès’ exclusive Birkin handbag got a treat from Walmart.com, which offered a similar “Wirkin” bag for around $100, compared to the $10,000+ Birkin. However, it raises legal questions due to its resemblance to the Birkin. Hermès’ high-net-worth customers aren’t interested in dupes, but the Wirkin has sparked debate.
The “wirkin” breaking the internet
Undoubtedly, this bag quite literally broke the internet at the end of 2024 with multiple social media users and influencers constantly talking about it. Those who owned the real thing reacted in two ways. On one end, they didn’t care, while on the other hand seemed bitter about the situation.
Let’s not forget back in 2022 when Sketchers brought Hermes into court in lieu of a patent infringement. The luxury house allegedly copied the “common man’s” brand’s shoe patent. Later on, the two major companies decided to settle on their own.
Price increase for dupes?
Following that, Ladyvintagebags, a prominent luxury YouTube content creator, discusses the situation. She brought up the fact that other influencers and content creators are stating this counterfeit or dupe bag was at one point increasing in price.
There are talks that these “wirkins” are made of either real leather or “vegan” leather. For those familiar with the industry, “vegan” leather is often a marketing gimmick suggesting it is safe and “healthy” to use. In reality, it is typically made from PVC, which is quite literally plastic. Plastic is a material that can have negative long-term environmental impacts.
Regardless, many are pleased to see dupes like these gaining popularity, viewing it as a democratization of fashion. They question when luxury houses began inflating the prices of these bags to astronomical levels. In the 1960s, these bags were merely an afterthought, secondary to a person’s overall outfit.
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