As the fashion world loves a good viral moment, the “Walmart Birkin Bag” is the latest internet buzz. This quirky comparison has piqued the interest of TikTok influencers, fashion bloggers, and everyone in between, with many searching for affordable handbag dupes after the comparison. Read on to learn more about the trendy bag and how it compares to the legendary Hermès Birkin.
Table of Contents
What is the Walmart Birkin Bag?
Social media users have dubbed the budget-friendly handbag from Walmart that resembles the luxurious Hermès Birkin bag the “Walmart Birkin Bag.” The purse doesn’t look exactly like a Birkin, but it has similar structured designs, polished finishes, and sturdy handles — and it might be a stylish, affordable alternative to something that’ll require you to justify whatever you’re not saving up for in the future.
In 1984, French fashion brand Hermès launched the Birkin bag and named it after actress and singer Jane Birkin. The exclusivity of the item has increased the price, as a limited number of the bags are made available.
These Walmart bags are priced under $50 and have become a viral sensation for being chic and priced at under $50. Hashtags such as #WalmartFinds and #WalmartBirkin are being used by influencers to show off their Walmart finds, bringing together fashion and affordability.
These totes, priced between $78 and $102, have gone viral on TikTok as a chic and affordable fashion statement.
Officially sold as “KAMUGO Genuine Leather Handbags Purse for Women” the bag is available on Walmart’s website.
How Much is a Real Birkin Bag?
The Hermès Birkin bag is a symbol of status, a bag that is exclusive and not cheap. The price for a new Birkin starts at around $10,000, and more models that are lavish plus exotic materials can inflate that into the six figures. For example:
- Entry-level Birkin: $10,000–$12,000
- Crocodile or exotic leather Birkin: $40,000–$500,000
Equally competitive is the resale market for Birkins, which can command even higher prices, depending on rarity and condition.
How Do You Buy a Birkin Bag?
Buying a Birkin bag is not as easy as walking into a Hermès boutique and grabbing one off the shelf. The process is shrouded in exclusivity and often requires the following steps:
- Establishing a Relationship with Hermès: The more other Hermès products you buy regularly, the more likely you will be offered a Birkin.
- Waiting List: Even if you’re eligible, there’s usually a waiting period that can stretch from months to years.
- Customization: The customizations offered by Hermès for those lucky enough to get an invitation are in size, leather, and hardware.
Instead, the resale market is also a very popular way to buy Birkins without waiting, but at a premium price. However, you can check Best White Elephant Gifts Under $30 for this holiday.
Why the Walmart Birkin Trend Matters
Walmart Birkin shows the ongoing democratization of fashion, where consumers are less and less concerned with brand fidelity and more concerned about affordability and creativity. Popularizing trends that challenge traditional luxury norms requires social media.
The Walmart Birkin is a fun and fashionable take on the Birkin design for those who love the look but don’t want to pay the price.
For example, First Lady Melania Trump is famous for her top identification with luxury fashion, which is why Hermès Birkin bags have remained a staple in her wardrobe.
But she has also been photographed with a number of Birkins, including rare exotic-skin models, which have cemented her status as a style icon with a penchant for expensive accessories.
Final Thoughts
This viral moment demonstrates how fashion changes when accessibility and creativity meet. The “Walmart Birkin Bag” isn’t just a handbag, it’s a statement of style that says price tags don’t determine the style. In other words, the next time you see a nice bag in a store like Walmart, you might be at the beginning of the next big trend.
