One of the hottest accessories this holiday season wasn’t a four-figure designer purse — it was a $78 Walmart handbag that took TikTok by storm, selling out frequently on the retailer’s website.
The bag draws inspiration from the legendary Hermès Birkin, which has its own fascinating origin story. In 1984, actress Jane Birkin spilled the contents of her bag while seated next to Hermès chief executive Jean-Louis Dumas on a Paris-London flight, Forbes reported. Their conversation about her search for the perfect leather weekend bag inspired Dumas to create what would become one of fashion’s most coveted accessories.
While the Walmart version, “Wirkin,” retails for less than $100, authentic Birkins start at a cool $9,000 — a price reflecting its craftsmanship. Each genuine Birkin requires up to 20 hours of work by trained artisans in French ateliers, according to CNN, creating an exclusivity that has driven some rare versions to fetch hundreds of thousands at auction.
The Kamugo-branded “Wirkin” captures the essence of the luxury design at a fraction of the cost. The structured leather handbag features a square silhouette with a distinctive gold lock closure and decorative tassel. When available, it comes in black, cherry pink and khaki, and in three sizes (10, 12 and 14 inches), and includes both top handles and a detachable crossbody strap for versatile wear. While the similarities to the iconic Birkin are striking, this elegant alternative delivers timeless style without the designer price tag.
The viral bag has sparked intense debate about luxury fashion accessibility and value. “A bag should not cost more than a house,” wrote one TikToker in a viral comment that garnered 21,000 likes. Another user celebrated the democratization of fashion: “Rich people everywhere will be throwing out their Birkins now. Once a dupe becomes available, that is passable, it devalues their item. I am all for it.”
Others maintained a more measured perspective, noting that Hermès replicas have long existed in the market without diminishing the original’s prestige. “This is not a hot take. This is not the end of the Birkin. Hermes fakes have been around forever.”
Despite mixed reactions, the “Wirkin” remains in high demand, selling out as quickly as it becomes available.
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