Why Walmart’s $80 Birkin bag dupe, dubbed the ‘Wirkin’, has sparked so much controversy
This year, Walmart has proved itself to be the master of the dupe. The retailer has pulled in both lower- and upper-income households by offering low prices on goods that look high-end, including many items that seem to belong in a Pottery Barn or Crate & Barrel. Furthermore, Hermes bags possess a remarkable ability to transcend trends and remain relevant across generations. They embody a sense of timelessness, allowing their owners to exude effortless elegance in any setting. The undeniable charm of a Hermes bag lies in its ability to elevate an outfit and make a statement without being ostentatious. This Mini Kelly dupe is unique because it’s available in small, medium, or large, so you can find the perfect size to fit your needs.
Since 2000, both have been stamped “Hermès” and numbered, with matching numbers. Because the style of numbering has changed throughout the years, authenticating through this detail alone is difficult. And, of course, you must be familiar with the bag itself — especially the details that counterfeiters often get wrong (or, worse, get right). Below, we’ve compiled a list of important features to be aware of when considering buying a piece of history.
Authentic hardware on Hermes bags are always a genuine precious metal, usually either palladium or plated gold. The hardware also features small markings to indicate it is a precious metal and will feel heavy and of a high quality. The use of precious metals on Hermes bags also means that the hardware on authentic Hermes bags will not tarnish. When checking the hardware on a Hermes bag replica bags, feel the weight of the lock, keys, studs, and other pieces of hardware on the bag.
The inside of the bracelet actually has “Hermès” etched inside of it. I was not expecting it as the listing doesn’t say anything about this bracelet being inspired by the brand. I ordered the bracelet in white, which is like a pearly white with a pretty gloss sheen. You can see from the Hermès website that it’s also got a nice pretty sheen to it.
All Hermes ties are hand sewn with a thread that is 177 centimeters long, that’s just shy of 67 inches. Since all Hermes ties are hand sewn in a flexible way, you can gently pull on the fold and see whether there’s some slight irregularities in the stitching and also the tie is flexible. If you see dense machine stitching, it’s definitely not a genuine product.
3) The drawstring on the dust bag is also brown and should be made of 100% cotton. Please be aware that with some used Birkin bags the dust bag may have been misplaced and therefore this only applies to brand new bags. If the bag doesn’t feature the saddle stitch, you should take it as a sign the bag is a fake. In the authentic Birkin, the stitching color should matche the color of the bag. Every bag is crafted from the finest materials, ensuring durability and an authentic feel. For individuals drawn to the sophistication of Hermes bags, replicas offer an accessible way to indulge in luxury without compromise.
There were slim pickings to begin with, and the ones we found were either the wrong color or the wrong texture. Just when we were ready to give up on our search, our jaws dropped when we spotted this ridiculously affordable, nearly identical dupe from Walmart. Another stunning replica of the Hermes Oran, these sandals hit the style jackpot with the identical slight heel and H-band design.
The signature should be seamlessly integrated into the design, not awkwardly placed. But the precision drawn, vividly colourful result is worth it. Even worn vintage pieces are still very much in demand, and no wonder!