Walmart's version of the Hermes Birkin has taken over the internet
CTV
Budget-conscious buyers looking for luxury alternatives have flocked to Walmart's Birkin bag look-alike, nicknamed the 'Wirkin.'
Budget-conscious buyers looking for luxury alternatives have flocked to Walmart’s Birkin bag look-alike, nicknamed the “Wirkin.”
The leather handbag available on Walmart’s website is a more affordable alternative to French luxury goods maker Hermès’ Birkin bag. Many Wirkins appear to have sold out after buzz on social media.
Luxury brands like Hermès have remained in the public eye, but their prices put them out of reach for most people. Nonetheless, bargain-hungry shoppers love indulging — making cheaper, high-quality duplicates appealing.
Fashion influencers also play into the hype of these look-alikes, which the rise of online shopping and cheap shipping prices, even from halfway across the world, have made more accessible than ever.
Hermès doesn’t sell its bag online, but Maison de Luxe, a Los Angeles-based company that sells brand new and pre-owned Hermès bags, lists Birkin bags between US$26,500 and $399,999. A “standard model” Birkin, which takes up to 40 hours to make by hand by a single artisan, can start at around $7,200 according to SACLÀB, a Munich-based marketplace.
Would-be Birkin buyers filed a lawsuit in March alleging that to buy a Birkin bag they first needed to purchase other Hermes accessories and items, effectively adding to the cost to snag one of the high-profile handbags.
On the flip side, the Walmart Birkin that has gained traction sells for as little as $78, depending on size and color. Kamugo, the maker of one Wirkin,says the purse is made with genuine cowhide leather but uses synthetic leather inside of the bag.
Privacy data experts say the deep dive by Elon Musk’s company was impressive, but also shines a spotlight on a difficult question as vehicles become less like cars and more like computers on wheels.
Winter weather brings various hazards that people have to contend with to keep warm and safe.
Any skiers looking to avoid circling the parking lots at the world-famous Whistler Blackcomb resort can now solve that problem—but it comes with a six-figure price tag.
U.S. Chamber, oil industry sue Vermont over law requiring companies to pay for climate change damage
A top oil and gas industry trade group is suing Vermont over new law requiring that fossil fuel companies pay a share of the damage caused by climate change.
An unknown volcano erupted so explosively in 1831 that it cooled Earth's climate. Now, nearly 200 years later, scientists have identified the 'mystery volcano.'
While Canada hasn't mandated cancer warnings for alcoholic beverages, a few experts are supporting a new push in the U.S. to have the labels on the products.
If you're planning to get away this year, the experts say it's best to plan ahead and be aware that costs have gone up.
Automotive website Edmunds compares two hybrid minivans on factors including value, fuel economy and safety.
Apple has agreed to pay US$95 million to settle a lawsuit accusing the privacy-minded company of deploying its virtual assistant Siri to eavesdrop on people using its iPhone and other trendy devices.
As many begin the new year with health resolutions, here's one nurse's advice on when to see the doctor, get tests and seek preventative care.
Meghan Markle is starting the new year with her first Instagram account since 2020.