Move over Birkin, the Wirkin's here. Why these dupes are going viral

Owning a Hermès’ Birkin bag is not everyone’s cup of tea. While the high-profile handbag might not be affordable for most, you can still own one.

Walmart, an American multinational retail corporation, is selling a Birkin bag look-alike, nicknamed the “Wirkin.” And needless to say, it has become an internet obsession. The Wirkin’s affordability and similarity to the iconic luxury bag have sparked curiosity on TikTok.

Let’s take a closer look.

Want Birkin? Get Wirkin

Walmart is offering a cheap alternative to the Birkin bag . Priced between $78 (Rs 6,689) and $102 (Rs 8,747), the Wirkin bag sold out like hot cakes on Walmart’s website after shoppers posted its videos on TikTok.

The faux leather accessory’s resemblance to French luxury goods maker Hermès’ Birkin bag has caught the public eye.

The iconic Birkin bags, synonymous with luxury, range anywhere from $9,000 (Rs 771,812) to over $500,000 (over Rs 4 crore). Coveted by celebrities, its hefty price tag has made it a status symbol.

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The exclusivity offered by these high-end handbags is something that makes them unattainable for many. Enter, cheaper alternatives to Hermès’ Birkin bag.

These dupes have been designed by brands like Kamugo, BESTSPR, YMTQ and Judy, and are listed on Walmart’s site.

As per CNN, Kamugo says it produces the dupe with genuine cowhide leather but the inside is made with synthetic leather.

These Birkin look-alikes have gone viral through unboxing videos and sharing styling tips posted on social media.

Wirkin sparks debate

The Birkin dupe has divided the internet. While some appreciate the high-quality duplicates, critics argue they undermine the exclusivity of the luxury bag.

The account @styledbykristi brought the dupe handbag to the limelight in a post on December 19. “(For) $80 (about Rs 6,800), you can pretend that you got a Birkin,” she said in a TikTok video. “I mean everyone will probably know it’s not because who the hell has the money to spend on the real Birkin, not me.”

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As per a Forbes piece, “The “Wirkin” trend is a cultural shift driven by Generation Z, demanding inclusion in spaces traditionally defined by exclusivity. And they’re making their point with wit, irreverence, and the viral power of social media. Affordable options now stand shoulder-to-shoulder with high-end icons like the Hermès Kelly Handbag Togo Black Rouge Grenat—not as mere knockoffs, but as playful critiques of what luxury even represents.”

Some fashion aficionados have taken offence.

Fashion influencer Jesica Elise said that those defending the Wirkin “reflected a feigned ignorance of why we consume what we consume.”

Then there are those social media users who are unaffected by the dupe, with one TikTok user reportedly saying “wouldn’t buy a fake one because I don’t even care to have a real one.”

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Will ‘dupes’ take over?

Dupes are gaining popularity, be it Stanley water bottles or Lululemon leggings.

As per CNN, luxury handbags are among the most sought in secondhand fashion categories. Walmart and several other sites sell pre-owned Birkin bags online.

Does this mean dupes will replace luxury items? Not likely.

Steven Moy, chief client officer at luxury consultant G & Co, said dupes are “inevitable”.  Speaking to CNN, he said that some consumers have spent years to buy a Birkin bag. These wealthy people, who are loyal to brands like Hermès, would not ditch shopping because of these cheaper alternatives.

“The true ultra luxury, in that case, won’t be affected in the short run,” Moy said.

With inputs from agencies