Why Has Walmart’s Birkin Dupe Taken the Fashion World by Storm? – NewsX World

A near-identical dupe of the iconic Birkin bag, “Wirkin,” sold at Walmart for under $100 has taken the fashion world by surprise as it goes viral

In recent months, a new handbag has taken the fashion world by storm—and it isn’t a luxury brand item like you might expect. Instead, it’s a near-identical dupe of the iconic Birkin bag, sold at Walmart for under $100. While the real Birkin bag can cost over $10,000 and is notoriously difficult to obtain, Walmart’s version has become a sensation, gaining attention from shoppers and fashion enthusiasts alike.

The Allure of the Birkin Bag

The Birkin bag from luxury brand Hermès has long been a symbol of exclusivity and wealth. Its prices typically start at $10,000 and can climb much higher, depending on the materials used. Getting your hands on one is no easy feat, as the bags are in limited supply, and buyers must often wait for an invitation to purchase one at Hermès boutiques. Even if you have the money to buy the entire store, obtaining a Birkin bag remains a rare privilege.

However, a cheaper alternative has entered the market, making the coveted bag more accessible than ever. Walmart’s version, often referred to as the “Wirkin” or “Walmart Birkin,” closely resembles the original Birkin bag, and it’s taking the internet by storm.

Walmart’s “Wirkin” — The Affordable Birkin Dupe

Walmart’s “Wirkin” bag has sparked excitement due to its similar design to the luxury Birkin bag, but at a fraction of the price. According to the New York Post, the bag is available for between $78 and $102 depending on the size. Despite its affordability, the bag has been selling out quickly online, leading many to refer to it as the “Walmart Birkin.”

On Walmart’s website, the “Wirkin” is listed under a third-party seller, and while it doesn’t feature the Hermès name or logo, it still manages to capture the essence of the luxurious Birkin bag. This has made it incredibly popular among fashion lovers who want the look of a high-end bag without the hefty price tag.

How Similar is Walmart’s “Wirkin” to the Birkin?

A real Birkin bag features the iconic Hermès name on various parts of the bag, including beneath the flap, inside the bag, and on the hardware. However, the Walmart version does not carry the Hermès name, which helps to avoid direct trademark infringement. According to The Fashion Law, the “Wirkin” does not replicate the trademark-protected “H” logo that appears on the lock of a genuine Birkin, making it technically different in terms of branding.

Despite these differences, the design itself is remarkably similar. This has led some to question whether the bag is legal, or if it could potentially violate any intellectual property rights.

Is the “Wirkin” legal?

The legality of the “Wirkin” bag is a gray area. While the bag doesn’t use the Hermès name or the Birkin wordmark, some sellers, like Sulikehz, do include the terms “Birkin” and “Hermès” in their product listings. This could potentially lead to trademark issues, as these brands have strict intellectual property protections.

Luxury brands like Hermès, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton are known for vigorously protecting their trademarks and designs. In addition to trademark protections, the Birkin bag is also safeguarded under trade dress in the United States. This means that not just the logo, but the overall “look” of the product—including its color, shape, and texture—is protected.

For now, the “Wirkin” bag seems to walk a fine line between being a designer-inspired item and a legally questionable knockoff. However, for many customers, the appeal of the affordable alternative is undeniable, especially as the bag continues to fly off the shelves.

The Impact on Luxury Fashion

Walmart’s Birkin dupe is causing a stir in the fashion world. While the luxury sector may not approve of the imitation, it reflects a shift in consumer behavior. The rise of affordable luxury alternatives challenges the traditional power dynamics in the fashion industry, offering fashionable options to those who may not be able to afford the real deal.

As the “Wirkin” continues to gain popularity, it raises important questions about intellectual property, counterfeits, and the evolving landscape of luxury fashion. Whether or not the “Wirkin” will survive legal challenges remains to be seen, but for now, it remains one of the most talked-about handbag trends.