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Back in December, the internet met its latest obsession: the ‘Wirkin’ — a viral handbag that set social media and shoppers into a frenzy. Priced under $80 at Walmart, the Wirkin drew instant comparisons to the iconic Birkin bag, which can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $200,000 — assuming you’re lucky enough to be invited to buy one.
The lookalike tote became an overnight sensation, selling out quickly both in-store and online. Months later, the official Wirkin bag is still out of stock.
But there’s good news; Walmart has another bag on its site that looks extremely similar to Hermès’ iconic accessory. Plus, it’s even more inexpensive than the original look-alike version (it’s currently 86% off), and it’s still in stock.
Crafted by Dasein, this chic crossbody bag comes in 18 different colors and is made from a high-quality leather alternative. Retailing for under $60, it echoes many of the Birkin’s signature features: gold-toned hardware, a structured dual-handle silhouette, a top flap closure, and four small protective studs at the base. While luxury connoisseurs can easily spot the difference, to the untrained eye, this budget-friendly version could pass for the real deal.
Before snagging your Birkin-inspired look-alike, it’s worth knowing a bit about the bag’s storied past and why a budget-friendly dupe caused such a stir. First introduced in 1984 by the French luxury house Hermès, the Birkin was named after the English-French actress Jane Birkin, who was often photographed carrying the now-iconic bag around the world.
The star of The Swimming Pool famously tied a silk scarf around the handles of her Birkin, giving it a personal and effortlessly chic flair. So, if you’re hoping to give your Walmart version a touch of that original Parisian charm, take a cue from Jane and wrap a scarf around the handles, just like she did (you can grab one here).
Why did the internet lose its mind over the first viral Birkin look-alike? The answer isn’t entirely clear, but it likely comes down to what the Birkin symbolizes. It’s more than just a handbag; it’s a subtle statement, a symbol of luxury, exclusivity, and cultural cachet. For those who can’t afford the real thing but still want to tap into its status, a high-quality dupe offers the next best way to participate in the conversation.
When it comes down to it, this is one of the best Birkin look-alikes we’ve seen on the market — and yes, I’m even counting the dozens of bags you can find lying out on Canal Street. It’s affordable, functional, and, best of all, still available for purchase. But grab it while you can because, just like the first viral bag, we don’t expect it to be in stock for much longer.
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