The “Wirkin” is taking over social media.
Over the past several weeks, TikTok influencers have become obsessed over a Walmart bag resembling the highly coveted—and wildly expensive—Hermès Birkin.
The authentic version can cost anywhere between $10,000 to $2 million, depending on the bag’s material, color, and rarity. Meanwhile, the Walmart “dupe,” aptly dubbed the “Wirkin,” has a much more accessible price tag of around $80.
The budget-friendly bag, officially called the Bestspr Platinum Lychee Tote, started going viral in mid-December, thanks in large part to TikToker @styledbykristi.
The influencer posted a video in which she unpacked her green Birkin “dupe” from a plastic bag.
“She’s pretty,” Kristi said. “It’s real leather and I paid $80 for it.”
As seen in the video, the “Wirkin” has all the recognizable elements of the costly Birkin: There are rolled top handles, a flap top, a lock, thin sangles with a metal touret, a matching clochette, and clou “feet.”
“Such a pretty color. For $80, you can pretend you got a Birkin,” Kristi continued. “I mean, everyone’s probably gonna know it’s not [real] because who the hell has money to spend on a real Birkin? Not me.”
Fellow TikToker @dillon.reeds also gushed over the “Wirkin” in a Dec. 26 unboxing video, saying it was nearly identical to the real version.
“Everybody says these look just like Birks. And y’all know, baby, there ain’t no way I’m ever spending that kind of money on a bag. Even if I had the money,” he said while unpacking the bag. “I mean, other than it not having the Hermès logo, it literally has all the same hardware.
“The leather feels good… This is freakin’ good,” he continued. “I don’t think y’all can tell me nothing.”
As pointed out by People magazine, the Bestspr Platinum Lychee Tote has since sold out on Walmart’s website, but similar version are popping up on other e-stores.
Although the “Wirkin” doesn’t bear the Hermès logo, experts say the storied French fashion house could take legal action against Walmart and its third-party vendors.
“It would not be surprising for Hermès to take an aggressive approach,” fashion lawyer Douglas Hand told Women’s Wear Daily. “Hermès’ reputation could be harmed by those who see others carrying the bags and think that Hermès is making shoddy product.”
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