AMAZON has introduced its own spin on a beloved handbag amid a surge in popularity.
Similar bags have been extremely hard to get, until now.
Shortly after Walmart made waves with its Birkin-inspired handbag , dubbed the “Wirkin” or the “Walmès,” Amazon responded with a dupe of its own.
The “Wirkin” – officially listed as the KAMUGO Genuine Leather Handbags Purse for Women – was so popular that it was quickly discontinued after an influx of demand.
Birkin bags were introduced by legendary French fashion house Hermès in 1984 and named after actress Jane Birkin.
The bag quickly became a status symbol, with some variants fetching hundreds of thousands depending on the materials used.
In 2006, the waiting list to purchase a Birkin from Hermès was believed to be around six years long.
Now, affordable alternatives to the elusive bag generate significant social media buzz.
The Walmart bag retailed around $80, while one of Amazon’s versions is $42.
The Women’s Top Handle Satchel with Detachable Strap Top Handle Bag is vegan and priced at $41.99.
Another Birkin replica is available on Amazon and is cataloged as the “OEIPSMK Large Genuine Leather Tote Bag,” and priced at $176.68.
At a glance, the leather tote seems to pass for the real deal, with the Birkin’s signature segmented flap and buckle clasps, and the same unmistakable silhouette of the coveted fashion accessory.
The Amazon dupe also comes with a lanyard and interior pockets.
The bag is available in several colorways, including black, brown, taupe, and a creamy off-white.
In addition to the OEIPSMK bag, a number of other Birkin-like bags have appeared on Amazon – some costing even less than the Walmart version.
Other boxy, buckle-clasped handbags from brands called Yatoga and Dasein bear a passing resemblance to the Birkin, and retail in the 40-50 dollar range.
Dasein’s $54.99 handbag is made from vegan leather and comes in 22 different styles, including imitation ostrich.
It also comes with a matching clutch wallet.
HERMÈS RESPONDS
Answering questions about the “Wirkin” and other cheaper Birkin lookalikes, Hermès CEO Axel Dumas said the company had “no comment,” but later shared his true feelings about the trendy totes.
“It’s difficult to know what, exactly, to think about it apart from the fact that it irritated me — annoyed me,” said Dumas.
“Making a copy like this is quite detestable — it’s stealing the creative ideas of others.”
Dumas eventually conceded that the existence of dupes like the “Wirkin” could actually be seen as a compliment, and that he doesn’t believe it was done with malice.
He added that it was “quite touching” to see that people who purchased the dupes dreamed of owning a Birkin.
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