Is the Wirkin debate ethical? Walmart making Hermès' luxury staple Birkin 'accessible' has the one-percenters fuming
Hindustan Times2025 is all of 6 days old and a luxury industry meltdown was on no one's bingo cards. A chance encounter between British-French actress and singer Jane Birkin and Hermès CEO Jean-Louis Dumas on a Paris to London flight gave way to easily one of the most iconic handbags, luxury collectors and enthusiasts have ever set their eyes on. It's exorbitant price point aside, the Birkin's legacy stands defined by a systematic checks-and-balances regulation of worthiness. Till literal weeks ago a symbol of top tier exclusivity, the Hermès Birkin, against its will, has finally joined other luxury handbag frontrunners, when it comes to the dreadful dupe doom, called the Wirkin nonetheless. If you're wondering about price points, an authentic Birkin from the house of Hermès will cost anything between $20,000 and $100,000, never mind the months and maybe year-long waitlists you will have to tread.
History of this topic
Walmart’s $78 Hermès Birkin dupe is a hit on TikTok — but fashionistas are divided
The Independent)
Move over Birkin, the Wirkin's here. Why these dupes are going viral
Firstpost
Walmart’s $78 Hermès Birkin dupe is a hit on TikTok — but fashionistas are divided
The Independent
The Taste by Vir Sanghvi: Birkin bag, the most coveted bag in the world
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