Less than a month after the Wirkin took the world by storm, the Walmart-branded Birkin dupe has vanished from store shelves, sparking ongoing discussions about dupe culture, wealth, and access to luxury goods.

Behind the Birkin
Conceptualized in 1984, Hermès' Birkin bags have become synonymous with exclusivity and luxury, running anywhere from $30,000 to $100,000 ($233,614 HKD to $778,715 HKD). In 2018, a Hermès handbag constructed from crocodile skin, white gold and diamonds shattered world records when it sold for $380,000 ($2.96 million HKD) at an auction in Hong Kong.

But Hermès' Birkin bags are not only expensive; they are also notoriously exclusive. A single handcrafted Birkin bag can take up to 40 hours to create, meaning that its availability is highly limited. As a result, potential buyers must undergo a rigorous vetting process, requiring them to prove their loyalty to the brand by reaching a certain spending threshold before being considered worthy of purchasing one.

Its limited availability and high demand have transformed the Birkin into a status symbol—a clear indicator of wealth for the few who can afford it. The bag’s exclusivity and fine craftsmanship also means that its value is likely to grow over time, making it a popular choice among collectors and investors.

Emergence of the Wirkin 
Enter the Wirkin. A portmanteau of Walmart and Birkin, the $78 imitation Birkin bags began appearing on Walmart’s online store in late 2024 and quickly sold out as it found viral popularity on social media platform TikTok.

The Wirkin has since emerged as a symbol of class solidarity, sparking discussions about the accessibility of designer items as everyday shoppers began touting the bag as an alternative to the traditional ideas of luxury exclusivity, challenging the notion that high fashion should be reserved for the wealthy.

"I love this bag,” Tiktok user @lastinglooks said. “I love the concept that we can have people who would normally not have access to that kind of luxury get something similar and feel like they have a nice bag. It levels the playing field."

The Ethics of Dupe Culture and its Effect on the Status Symbol
However, this phenomenon has brought up the ethics of dupe culture as consumers increasingly turn to affordable versions of high-end products, prompting debates about whether the accessibility of these imitations undermines the luxury status of the original.

The rise of the Wirkin raises questions around fast fashion. Unlike a Birkin, which takes almost two days to handcraft and is designed to last a lifetime, the Wirkin and other dupes are produced en masse and are likely headed for the landfill once their viral popularity wanes. 

In order to keep products affordable, the fast fashion model often relies on low-wage labor in developing countries, raising ethical questions about working conditions and fair pay. Additionally, the mass production of cheaper items contributes to fashion waste, as they are usually made from lower-quality materials that are not designed to last, raising concerns about the exploitation of workers in the fashion industry as well as environmental damage.

While some have lauded the Wirkin for breaking barriers in luxury fashion, others are concerned that it could create an oversaturated market that could dilute the prestige associated with the Hermès brand, leading to a devaluation of high-end goods as access to luxury designs becomes widespread.

The overwhelming demand for the Wirkin and other dupes represents a significant shift in social dynamics and a broader change in values and priorities. Historically, the desire for luxury items has a reflection of wealth and class disparities, underscoring the divide between those who can and cannot afford these goods. However, the current willingness to forgo traditional notions of luxury in favor of accessibility and affordability suggests that the concepts of authenticity and exclusivity are becoming less paramount among a younger demographic.

What’s next for the Birkin?
Following its virality, the Wirkin has been wiped from Walmart's website. While most listings for the Walmart-branded Birkin have disappeared, similar bags have cropped up on sites like Amazon, meaning that the dupes will likely remain available in the long run.

Despite the popularity of the Wirkin, it is highly unlikely that the rise of affordable imitations will threaten Hermès’ exclusivity and desirability in the long term. Rather, it highlights a growing demand for growing demand for high-quality, accessible items that strike a balance between luxury and affordability. 

Younger shoppers are becoming increasingly eco-conscious, seeking out products that prioritize craftsmanship and sustainability without breaking the bank. This moment could signal an opportunity for luxury brands to adapt, creating products that cater to a broader audience while maintaining their quality.

Ultimately, the Wirkin could be a catalyst for change within the luxury industry, pushing brands to adapt to shifting consumer values. As the fashion industry navigates this change, the intersection of affordability and luxury could hold the key to shaping the future of fashion.