Walmart’s latest fashion market place offering has caused a sensation online: the launch of a ‘Birkin dupe‘ that’s got the internet buzzing and could be the defining accessory of 2024. For a fraction of the price—just $82—a LBPT-branded bag is capturing attention, mimicking the iconic Hermès Birkin, which can sell for anywhere between $30,000 and $80,000 depending on its rarity and condition.
The Birkin bag, long considered a symbol of luxury, status, and exclusivity, has been a coveted item for decades. It’s famously elusive: potential buyers often face a grueling waiting list and need a strong relationship with a sales associate to even have a chance of purchasing one. For celebrities like rapper Drake, the Birkin represents more than just a handbag—it’s a symbol of love, with Drake famously buying multiple Birkins in anticipation of “The One” he plans to gift.
The mystique surrounding the Birkin isn’t just about the price tag. According to British Vogue, experts like Rachel Koffsky, Senior VP of Handbags and Accessories at Christie’s, highlight that rarity and condition play a major role in the value of these bags. “Pieces that are hard to come by are considered rare and valuable,” Koffsky explains, with limited edition Birkins fetching the highest prices at auction.
The presence of an opaque LBPT brand in Walmart’s marketplace, coupled with the launch of a nearly identical version of the Birkin priced at $82, suggests a potential shift in the dynamics of the market. This affordable alternative, available online, has prompted many fashion enthusiasts to wonder if it could diminish the allure of the original Hermès bag. Some buyers are even praising the ‘Birkin dupe’ version, with many expressing that it looks just as stylish as the genuine article—at a tiny fraction of the price.
However, there’s a catch: while the dupe may resemble the luxury bag, both experts and others agree that it cannot compare to the craftsmanship and longevity of an authentic Birkin. The materials, stitching, and overall durability simply can’t match the real deal, and a ‘Birkin dupe’ will never retain the same value or status as an authentic Hermès bag.
Authentic designer products frequently contend with a flood of counterfeit items in the marketplace. This situation has led fashion houses to lose millions, undermining the hard work and craftsmanship of designers. In 2023, the FBI reported a significant operation in a Manhattan storage facility, where approximately 219,000 fake bags, clothing, shoes, and other luxury items were seized. Authorities estimated that the total suggested retail price (MSRP) of these counterfeit goods exceeded $1.03 billion, although their actual street value is usually much lower.
The counterfeit designer market has existed for some time, but the rise of the ‘Birkin dupe’ has sparked particular interest. Enthusiasts perceive it as a Walmart version of the iconic Hermès Birkin bag, creating an illusion that it could rival the genuine article. Despite Walmart not issuing any press release to confirm the existence of their Birkin brand bag, public belief in its legitimacy persists.
The excitement surrounding this opaque brand’s product has attracted considerable attention, drawing new clientele to its online platform and creating substantial media buzz. Whether or not it will ultimately impact the prestige of the Hermès brand remains to be seen. Luxury items like the Birkin aren’t just about practicality—they’re about making a statement, one that says “I’ve arrived” in a way few other products can.
As social media users continue to debate whether the ‘Birkin dupe’ will “ruin” the luxury market or make high-end fashion more accessible, one thing is clear: the bag is here to stay. Whether you’re a long-time Birkin enthusiast or a newcomer eager to try the dupe, the choice is now in your hands.
So, what do you think? Will you be buying the ‘Birkin dupe‘ or walking on by? Share your thoughts in the comments below and don’t forget to subscribe for more fashion news!
