• by Tanya Gazdik , December 30, 2024

Imitation is said to be the sincerest form of flattery, and Hermès’ iconic Birkin bag is no stranger to being copied.

But one particular knock-off, made by Kamugo and available at Walmart, has gone viral.

“The bag, which is now being referred to as the ‘Walmart Birkin Bag,’ is being seen as a budget-friendly alternative to the Hermès Birkin,” according to USA Today. 

Priced between $78 to $102, the knockoff comes in three different styles and four colors: green, orange, blue and gray. As of Monday, all variations were sold out online and Walmart did not immediately respond to USA Today's request for information on if and when they would be restocked.

“Dubbed the 'Wirkin' on TikTok, users praised the quality of the leather handbag, which sparked online discussions about Hermès finally having a worthy competitor in the designer handbag market,” according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. “A real Hermès Birkin bag starts at around $10,000, with rare models fetching upwards of $500,000.”

TikTokkers have posted hundreds of unboxing videos under the hashtag #walmartbirkin.

“Meanwhile, critics of the seemingly unattainable handbag are celebrating what they believe to be the downfall of the ultra-wealthy status symbol,” according to the New York Post. "One creator praised the Walmart bag for making ‘a Birkin bag cheugy,’ or uncool, while another said it embodied the mantra 'eat the rich' because of the once-coveted handbag’s sudden mass availability — albeit, as a dupe.”

The price of the original French bag is due to a variety of factors. 

“The iconic Birkin bag, debuted by French fashion house Hermès in 1984, has long been a symbol of luxury and exclusivity,” according to Mint. “Named after actress and singer Jane Birkin, the bag is handcrafted and produced in limited numbers, due to its high price tag. Depending on its model and condition, a genuine Birkin bag can sell anywhere from $18,000 to $225,000 on resale platforms such as Wrist Aficionado, cementing its status as a coveted fashion accessory for the wealthy elite.”

The authentic bags are limited in quantity, and buying one isn’t as simple as walking into a store. The brand requires customers to build a purchasing history, buying other products before they are considered for a Birkin, per the Cincinnati Enquirer. 

“As fashion enthusiasts continue to debate the merits of designer dupes versus original pieces, it is clear that the market for affordable alternatives to high-end luxury items is rapidly expanding,” per Mint. “Whether the viral Birkin bag dupe will remain a fleeting trend or become a permanent fixture in the world of fashion remains to be seen.”