In recent weeks, a simple handbag has set the internet ablaze. It's the "Walmart Birkin," aka the "Wirkin," a dupe for the infamous Hermès Birkin, known for its exclusivity, high price tag, and being carried by celebrities like the Kardashians and Real Housewives.

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If you've never heard of the Hermès Birkin, let me quickly bring you up to speed. The Birkin was first conceptualized in the early '80s, when style icon, actor, and singer Jane Birkin spoke to then-Hermès chairman Jean-Louis Dumas on a flight to London. When she suggested that Dumas make a Hermès bag that's "bigger than the Kelly but smaller than Serge’s suitcase," Dumas asked what that would look like. Jane then drew the first-ever sketch of the Birkin on a sick bag, and the rest is history.

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Since its inception, the Birkin has become one of the most exclusive and coveted handbags on the luxury market. Hermès only produces a certain number of bags per year, and purchasing one directly from Hermès remains a lengthy and secretive process. Since you can't just go into a Hermès store and say, "One Birkin, please!" their resale value is INCREDIBLY high. While the price of each bag depends on many factors (like color, size, hardware, etc.), Sotheby's reported in 2024 that their most expensive Birkin sold at auction for $450,000. So yeah, these are some expensive handbags.

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Considering all that, it makes sense that the Birkin has generally been reserved for celebrities and ultra-wealthy. That is until a few weeks ago...when some very convincing dupes sold through Walmart went mega-viral on TikTok.

One of the first videos sharing the Walmart Birkin (or "Wirkin") was from content creator @nyasiaximani, who actually found one of the dupes in-store. From there, thousands of people flocked to Walmart's website to try and nab one for themselves. Although both listings have since been pulled, the site sold two handbags similar to the Birkin: the "KAMUGO Genuine Leather Handbag For Women," and the "BESTSPR Genuine Handbag For Women." While they were still available, each bag ranged from around $60-$100, depending on size. Although it's no longer available via Walmart, from what I can tell you can still purchase BESTSPR's version on TikTok shop.

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KAMUGO/Walmart / Via business.walmart.com

It should also be noted that Walmart has listings for authentic Birkins as well, so it looks like Walmart was selling the dupes in a dropship capacity.

Ironically, Walmart pulling the bags from its site has allowed the Wirkin to reach its own level of exclusivity. But for those who were actually able to get their hands on one, what do they think of their bags? Jessica, a 41-year-old teacher from Georgia, told BuzzFeed she purchased three different Wirkins (all KAMUGO models) while they were still available online, and is overall very happy with them. "I think the quality of the bags is pretty good. They are obviously not luxury bags, but they appear to be well-made. I have used all of the bags multiple times and have been able to hold up well thus far."

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When asked why she thinks the Wirkin and other dupes gained such popularity so quickly, Jessica responded, "Because the original bags are out of reach for most people. They’re not only incredibly expensive, but consumers also are required to jump through hoops just to get the chance to be considered to buy one. Hermès has honestly never been on my radar. I do enjoy and own some luxury items, but the Hermès brand has never really appealed to me — especially after hearing how difficult they make it to purchase certain bags." In another video, Jessica shared the wear and tear of one of her Wirkins after one month of use:

Cynthia Rose, a 34-year-old consultant and former luxury content creator turned DIY content creator, took things a step further and did a side-by-side comparison with her newly-purchased Wirkin (the BESTSPRO model) and her authentic Hermès Birkin.

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Cynthia shared with BuzzFeed her motivation for comparing the two bags, stating it was "for scientific purposes, particularly because numerous individuals have made inflated assertions about the Wirkin without ever having seen it in real life. For instance: 'You wish you could own an authentic Hermès bag.' 'If you're spotted at Walmart, people will know it's a fake.' 'If you don't embody the wealthy aesthetic, no one will believe you're carrying a genuine Hermès.' With this in mind, I felt it was important to conduct an unbiased review and showcase both bags side by side, allowing the internet to make its own judgment."

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In her comparison, Cynthia noted that the bags, at least aesthetically, are pretty similar. The main differences being the bottom shape, the feet on the bottom of the bags, and the edge-meet at the top of the bags. The Wirkin also has loops on either side to accommodate a crossbody strap, which Birkins do not have. Speaking to BuzzFeed, Cynthia said that she purchased her Birkin through ReBag before transitioning to DIY content, and that it cost "as much as my new deck. ... I have had it for about two years. However, I am considering liquidation, as I need new windows." Meanwhile, for the Wirkin, "I paid $89."

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When discussing her opinions on the quality of her Birkin compared to her Wirkin, Cynthia remarked, "The Birkin is certainly impressive in terms of craftsmanship, but it can easily hold its own against many other excellent contemporary and luxury brands. At the end of the day, it's simply a bag made from 100% leather, with a few hand-stitched details using a beeswax-coated thread. The bees that produce it are Swiss, with striking blue eyes and trust funds... (I might be taking this a bit too lightly)."

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She went on to say, "In contrast, the Wirkin seems to be crafted from pressed leather, which isn't inherently a disadvantage; this type of material is often found in high-end products, including those from brands such as Chanel. While I'm not particularly fond of the PU lining, it can be swapped out by a cobbler for fabric or an alternative material if it becomes worn. All in all, the Wirkin shares a similar aesthetic, functionality, and comfort with the Birkin. Given its construction and the materials involved in its design, the pricing of the Wirkin bag appears to be quite reasonable."

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Even though Cynthia bought her Birkin from a resale shop, she expressed her belief that the Hermès purchasing experience is a "worn-out cliché." She described the online buzz surrounding the Wirkin as "representative of a transformative shift in the luxury industry. Shoppers are resisting the large corporations that have been marketing 'dreams' to them while keeping them out of the exclusive circle. ...The 'Wirkin' demographic has understood the message. We're not ignorant or lacking class; we're weary of the snobbish storyline and opting to engage with fashion on our own terms."

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When discussing what factors to keep in mind while buying a handbag (be it a Wirkin, Birkin, or something else), Cynthia advised, "Think about choosing a bag that will withstand the test of time and adapt as your lifestyle evolves. Focus on designs crafted from high-quality materials and produced under fair labor conditions. Personally, I tend to lean towards pre-loved bags. But if I'm looking for something fresh, I’m truly inspired by the styles and artistry emerging from small Black-owned and women-owned businesses these days." To wrap it up, Cynthia concluded with: "Long live the Wirkin."

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After speaking with Jessica and Cynthia, I wanted to dig deeper into both the Birkin and the Wirkin from a craftsmanship perspective, so I reached out to Tanner Leatherstein, a professional leather craftsman, content creator, and the owner of Pegai, an artisan leather brand. Tanner has been in the leather industry since childhood — his family owned a leather tannery in Turkey — and has spent the last few years building a following online for his videos deconstructing designer purses and evaluating their cost vs. quality.

In a conversation about Hermès and the Birkin, Tanner shared Cynthia's perspective on the recent excitement surrounding the Wirkin as a challenge to luxury brands. "There's certainly an increasing movement, particularly among Gen Z, to champion dupes as a form of resistance against high-end labels that have historically marketed pricey items that many consider to be just average. It resembles a kind of rebellion — proclaiming, 'If major brands can inflate their prices, we can outsmart them with budget-friendly options.' This change in attitude has also made possessing dupes feel more acceptable, and in some instances, even a badge of honor on social media. It's fashionable, and for a lot of people, it serves as a statement."

"Having said that," he went on, "Hermès exists in an entirely unique realm. Its sense of exclusivity transcends mere luxury; it revolves around access. Possessing a Birkin is not merely about owning the bag — it involves meeting certain criteria to even be considered for one, which taps into a profound psychological allure of status and deservingness. This 'Hermès phenomenon' fosters a feeling of accomplishment and exclusivity that remains compelling, irrespective of trends in imitation products. While the increasing popularity of knockoffs may present a hurdle for other luxury brands that do not possess Hermès’ level of exclusivity and emotional resonance, Hermès seems largely unaffected. Its clientele is not just purchasing a product — they are investing in a symbol of status and a distinctive experience. This illustrates why Hermès continues to thrive even as other luxury labels experience a downturn in sales."

Commenting on the Birkin's overall quality, Tanner said, "Hermès' Birkin is undeniably a sophisticated and iconic bag. It’s often crafted from high-quality leathers like Togo and Clemence — materials I deeply respect. Hermès consistently strikes a balance between creating a protective, fashion-forward finish while preserving the natural, organic patterns of leather, showcasing the rarity and quality of the materials they source."

@ tanner.leatherstein / Via tiktok.com "What sets the Birkin apart is its craftsmanship," Tanner continued. "Many feature partial hand-stitching using the saddle-stitch method, a technique that’s virtually unmatched by other luxury brands at this scale. Some special editions are even fully saddle-stitched, making them exceptionally rare and valuable. In terms of quality and craftsmanship, I view the Birkin as one of the few luxury bags that truly justify their high price tag. While the exclusivity factor is largely engineered through Hermès’ marketing strategies, the Birkin still holds its value better than most luxury bags and is likely the most worthwhile investment in that price range."

While Tanner has yet to take apart a Birkin, he has explored the construction of other Hermès items and observed that "although Birkins showcase remarkable craftsmanship, numerous Hermès products — such as their belts — are produced by machines, akin to items from Louis Vuitton. These products come with a high price tag, yet they yield greater profits for the brand and do not exhibit the artisanal quality that characterizes Hermès’ more prestigious offerings." He further noted, "These items often act as gateways, enabling customers to access more coveted pieces like the Birkin, but they lack the uniqueness of the bags themselves."

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Tanner provided his insights on the Wirkin and its overall quality (without examining a specific item): "I've heard that the bag is retailing for about $80, which is remarkably cheap for a leather product. While it might be feasible to manufacture a bag with such intricate design at that price point—particularly in China—it would probably mean compromising on the quality of materials and craftsmanship. Even with that price tag, considering shipping expenses, Walmart’s fees, and marketing expenditures, it seems difficult to achieve profitability without a significant drop in quality. While it might visually mimic a Hermès bag, that doesn't necessarily reflect its quality or longevity. When bags are produced at such low price levels, it often leads to negative consequences for ethical standards, labor conditions, and environmental sustainability."

"Although the imitation might seem trendy at first sight, I urge consumers to consider the factors involved in producing such a low-cost item and whether they feel okay with endorsing those methods. Nonetheless, I would be keen to examine one personally and offer a more comprehensive review if the opportunity arises," he finished.

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Lastly, when asked what he thinks people should consider when shopping for handbags or leather goods — designer brand or not — Tanner told BuzzFeed, "Leather is a sensory experience, and you don’t need to be an expert to evaluate it. Start by trusting your senses — your hands, eyes, and nose. Relax and engage with the material. Good leather has a natural, earthy vibe that feels alive. High-quality, minimally processed leather often has a unique, chaotic grain pattern similar to fingerprints — where no two areas look exactly the same. Uniform patterns, on the other hand, may indicate lower-quality leather that’s been overly treated or standardized." He also advised paying attention to scent, labels and descriptions, stitching, edge finishing, and hardware. "Compare the details against the price and decide if the bag feels worth the cost."

Moral of the story: When buying a handbag — Birkin, Wirkin, or anything else — make sure it's an informed decision that fits your lifestyle and values. You can follow Tanner and Jessica to see more of their handbag content, and Cynthia to see more of her DIY content.

Would you choose to buy a Birkin or a Wirkin? Let us know what you think in the comments!