Walmart has released a handbag resembling the iconic Hermès Birkin, priced between $78 and $102, sparking both praise and backlash. Known as the “Walmart Birkin” or “Wirkin,” this affordable alternative has gained viral attention on TikTok, where users share unboxing and haul videos under the hashtag #walmartbirkin. While some appreciate the bag as a stylish, budget-friendly option compared to the $9,000+ Birkin, others argue that it undermines the craftsmanship of the original and promotes fast fashion.
Critics worry that the rise of dupes could devalue luxury brands and affect the artisanship behind them. Supporters, however, see the bag as a challenge to the high cost of luxury goods and a step towards making fashion more accessible. The “Wirkin” has even sold out on Walmart’s website, with some jokingly calling it “Walmès.” Hermès, meanwhile, defends its high-priced bags by emphasizing their handmade quality, with artistic director Pierre-Alexis Dumas explaining that Birkins’ scarcity is due to their craftsmanship, not deliberate exclusivity.
This debate highlights the growing tension between luxury and mainstream fashion, as affordability and craftsmanship both compete for attention in the evolving fashion landscape.
