Latest news with #WalmartBirkin
Straits Times
22-05-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Viewpoint: How I got duped by luxury dupes
In 2019, the sale of counterfeit goods accounted for 2.5 per cent of world trade, worth a total of US$464 billion. PHOTO: REUTERS BRITAIN – My journey into the fun house of fakes began, as so many things do these days, on TikTok. Like many men, I had been content carrying a tote bag or backpack. Then my algorithm introduced me to Love Luxury, a designer consignment store in London offering previously owned Hermes bags. This wasn't about saving money, exactly. A Birkin with a retail price of around US$12,000 (S$15,500) – already an egregious amount of money – could be resold for twice or three times its original price. I found the extreme wealth both revolting and fascinating. I gobbled up clips of people playing the so-called Hermes Game – in which Birkin seekers tithe tens of thousands of dollars to Hermes boutiques in the hope that they might be offered the chance to buy one of their sought-after bags. My TikTok For You page soon became nothing but unboxings and reviews of other luxury brands, including Chanel, Dior, Bottega Veneta and Loewe. I began to lust after these designer goods, imagining which ones were right for me. Except that I am not rich, and neither are my parents or anybody I am likely to date. Besides, surely such sums would be better spent on the deposit for a house. But the overwhelming deluge of bag content made me desperate for the luxury my lacklustre bank balance would never permit. Then my algorithm served me up handbag dupes and replicas, imported from China. Buying them felt like an act of rebellion against the luxury brands that help enforce class division. But I couldn't stop. Buying dupe after dupe quickly became a destabilising obsession – on account of platforms that incentivise everything but stopping. When I came across a video about the viral Walmart Birkin – or Wirkin – I saw a way to participate in a world that had enthralled me. While we don't have Walmart in Britain, I found one on an online marketplace called OnBuy. I bought it for US$61. It took nearly a month to arrive from China. When it did, I was delighted. I doubted it was anything close to an authentic Birkin, but it was soft and smelled like real leather, not plastic. I took it out that night to meet friends, showing it off like a child with a new toy. They passed it around, surprised by how luxe it felt and giggling over the idea that I was now cosplaying as an uber-wealthy fashionista. Carrying this bag allowed me to escape into the fantasy of unachievable wealth. I felt like someone who no longer struggled to pay the rent. In 2019, the sale of counterfeit goods accounted for 2.5 per cent of world trade, worth a total of US$464 billion. On Reddit, there is a robust subculture of dupe hunters. The counterfeits they seek not only democratised access to designer bags, but were also symbols of resistance against the apparent greed of companies like Chanel and LVMH, which over the past six years have vastly increased prices and scored growing profits. Next, I bought a dupe of Bottega's intricately woven Andiamo bag, then a fake Coach bag, then a faux Acne Studios tote, another pretend Birkin (burgundy, size 35), a counterfeit Goyard Saint Louis in green and a dupe of a delightfully slouchy Songmont crossbody. If real, they would have cost me over US$37,000. Instead, I was out only around US$400. That may not seem like much to some (how fortunate), but for me, it was about half a month's rent. I took on debt. I told myself I could afford the bags by spreading the cost with Klarna, a buy-now-pay-later programme, despite each additional purchase and the subsequent partial payments pushing me further into overdraft. I have spent hours and hours scrolling Chinese e-commerce platforms such as DHgate and AliExpress, coveting fakes for sale. I've messaged sellers about the leather used on their replicas of Loewe's signature Puzzle bag (authentic: US$3,500; dupe: US$90). I've stayed up until 4am reading user reviews of The Row's more structured Margaux bag (authentic: US$5,500; dupe: just over US$100). Whenever I ordered something, I compulsively tracked my package from China to Britain. When it arrived, I'd tear open the many layers of packaging and smell the bag, caress the leather and examine the hardware. Though I had no reason to, I would leave the house with it, eager to take it on its debut outing. I've carried a Birkin to the supermarket, filling it with produce for dinner that evening, and worn my Andiamo, empty aside from some lip balm and a book, to the pub. Friends and family began to express their concern at the number of bags I was ordering. 'I think it's important that you stop,' my friend Kate texted me. I agreed, but each night, social media led me back to the bags. A few weeks later, only after my friend Jonathan mentioned that he found the hyper-consumerism I was engaged in distasteful, I really took pause. I looked back on the previous months and saw someone in the grips of an obsessional spiral. By chasing the dopamine hit that came with securing the next bag or gobbling up TikToks, I wasn't able to see my addictive and destructive behaviours or the way that debt would only continue to mount. I was skimping on my food shopping, taking on extra work and avoiding social situations where I knew I would have to spend money. I put off going to the dentist. I was out of control, like someone possessed, spending far beyond my means. I felt foolish. These bags had been tarnished by my new-found shame. I deleted TikTok, as well as the apps for the Chinese marketplaces, but by then, it was too late: The rest of my social media accounts were flooded with handbag content. On YouTube, my home page was a solid wall of influencers doing bag hauls from China. Almost every Instagram story I watched was followed by a luxury brand or retailer offering designer bags for sale. I was even pushed targeted ads while reading the news. I began to see this all for what it was: a symbiotic network of influencers, social media, e-commerce platforms and digital advertising – all designed to capitalise on my inability to regulate myself. How do you endure life online when that life consists of constantly being sold things? While the obvious answer is to log off, how feasible is that, really? These social media platforms are designed to extract not only our time but also, increasingly, our money – whether we can afford it or not. I can't entirely absolve myself, though. By buying these bags, I was chasing the illusion of status or happiness. While I self-soothed, I was still complicit in voracious consumerism. There was nothing radical or rebellious about it. I was still entranced by the lure of luxury brands, eager to be a part of their club. I had been duped by the dupes. NYTIMES Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
USA Today
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
What's in your cart? ‘Real Housewives' star Bethenny Frankel's top summer beauty buys
What's in your cart? 'Real Housewives' star Bethenny Frankel's top summer beauty buys Shop must-have products that Frankel swears by from Thayers, GlamWave and more Bethenny Frankel knows good products. The former "Real Housewives of New York City" star might've gotten her start in the world of reality TV, but the mogul has gone on to build a pretty robust fandom for herself far beyond the Bravo universe. With her sharp wit, unfiltered honesty and captivating charisma, the newly minted beauty influencer has amassed a loyal following of 2.8 million TikTok fans. Frankel has become one of the most trusted sources for product recommendations and (often very animated) takes on viral trends, including that Walmart Birkin dupe. Given her excellent taste in products (including chicken salad, of course), it's no surprise Frankel struck up a partnership with Thayers—the internet-loved brand behind some of the most popular organic beauty products. For their latest collaboration, Thayers has enlisted Frankel to find the brand's first-ever Chief Mom Officer (CMO), with the goal of celebrating the "original skincare marketers" (aka moms) and their massive impact—both within their family's lives and skincare routines. As part of USA TODAY Shopping's "What's in your cart?" franchise, we connected with Frankel to discuss her new Thayers campaign, favorite skincare products and the other summer buys she can't live without—including a gem necklace for less than $100 and a santal-scented body mist. 📲 More: What's in your cart? 'Bachelorette' Tayshia Adams shares her marathon training essentials Bethenny Frankel's favorite skincare products Surprising to no one, Frankel's summer skincare routine includes a mix of essential Thayers products—like the Thayers Alcohol-Free Rose Petal Witch Hazel Facial Toner and Thayers Blemish Clearing Acne Pads. "I've been using Thayers for years—it was the first brand that I ever associated with witch hazel. It's drugstore and affordable but it looks very elite and rich. I've been lucky to partner with them in the past and when the opportunity came for us to celebrate mothers, it was an absolute 'yes,'" Frankel says. Thayers Alcohol-Free Rose Petal Witch Hazel Facial Toner Frankel says she uses this best-selling Thayers toner within her skincare routine. $11 at Amazon Thayers Blemish Clearing Acne Pads The reality star is also "obsessed" with these Thayers acne pads, which she says are great for cleaning pores "without stripping your skin." $10 at Amazon Shop more of Bethenny Frankel's summer must-haves Frankel's favorite summer products don't star at just Thayers—the internet personality also dished on her other favorite buys, which range from a Kusshi Makeup Bag to an Infrared Hair Brush. Salt & Stone Body Mist This top-rated hair and body mist is infused with the most decadent santal fragrance. $45 at Amazon Kusshi Neoprene Train Case Makeup Bag Keep all of your beauty essentials organized with this handy makeup bag—a favorite of Frankel's. $48 at Amazon L'Ange Infrared Thermal Ionic Brush One of her top beauty essentials, this genius hair styler combines the capabilities of a blow dryer brush and a curling iron. $89 at L'Ange Electric Picks Beverly Hills Necklace Channel Frankel's iconic style and add a little sparkle to one of your summer looks with this dazzling necklace. $68 at Electric Picks What to know about Bethenny Frankel's new collaboration with Thayers: Frankel has partnered with Thayers on a unique campaign that's designed to celebrate moms and help the brand enlist their first Chief Mom Officer (CMO). The collaboration was announced ahead of Mother's Day 2025, and Thayers will continue accepting applications for the special role through Friday, May 16. The winner of this one-day role will have the opportunity to not only try select products, but also enjoy a "power lunch" with Frankel herself. As for what the one-on-one with Frankel will entail, the star reveals: "Everything. No topic is off limits. Skincare, business, money, motherhood, mental health, relationships, reinvention—I want to know what lights you up and what's keeping you up. It'll be a strategy session, a business brainstorm and a little bit of therapy—with a side of an amazing meal, obviously," Frankel says. Why is Thayers Natural Remedies so popular? Unlike other skincare brands, Thayers is hailed for its wide assortment of organic skincare products, which include the use of witch hazel—a (now) popular ingredient that's designed to help remedy pesky skin concerns like acne and oily textures.
Business Insider
28-04-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
I'm a luxury handbag authenticator. Here's why you should avoid Chinese manufacturers on TikTok who try to sell 'real' Birkins for cheap.
This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Koyaana Redstar, the head of luxury buying at Luxe Du Jour, an online luxury boutique for vintage designer handbags. It has been edited for length and clarity. I've worked for Rebag, The RealReal, and other vintage consignment stores and have 20 years of experience in the resale industry. With tariffs a big concern now, my TikTok page is flooded with videos from Chinese manufacturers saying they produce luxury handbags for brands like Hermès and Louis Vuitton, urging US customers to buy directly from them. And they're not just promoting them as dupes. Dupe culture involves finding a less expensive version of a highly desirable item, like the Walmart Birkin. Dupes are not specifically designed to replicate the luxury items. Here's why I think people should think twice before buying from these TikTokers. Hermès? Think again. It's common knowledge that some brands make their products in China — no one's surprised by that. But some Chinese TikTokers have gone further and claimed they make the high-end goods that luxury brands just slap their labels onto. But that's not true. Hermès, for one, has clapped back at these claims. Hermès has invested a lot of money in ateliers in France and other parts of Europe. The brand's items are also handmade by trained craftspeople. Some people scroll on TikTok and Instagram and think that if something's been put online, it must be real. Don't believe everything you see on TikTok. Don't expect comparable quality If I look at these Chinese versions of these bags — and that's where my job expertise comes in — I can tell the Chinese TikTokers' versions are fake at a glance. The handles are the wrong shape, and the proportions are off. The handles of fake bags are often a dead giveaway. They're either too tall or too round. Some of the bags in the videos are way too wide at the bottom, and some are too narrow. I saw a video where a girl was holding up what she said was a mini Kelly, saying she got it directly from the brand's manufacturer. But it was fake. It didn't even have the right handle—a flat handle instead of a regular rolled handle, which immediately raised a major red flag. It also had a leather grain that I've never seen on a Hermès bag in my entire life. Why not buy resale? When you buy a resale or a new authentic item, you have the option to sell it. You don't have that opportunity with a fake. I advise that if you're looking for a luxury handbag at a marked-down price, buy the bag secondhand instead of from people who claim to be the brand's Chinese manufacturer. Cost may be an issue for some buyers. If luxury stores hike prices because of the tariffs, you may be looking at a bag that's out of your budget. But you can also buy bags on resale platforms. People can usually find popular bags in excellent condition or even brand new, and prices will still be below retail. Think about why you're buying a fake bag If you're still dead set on buying a bag you see on TikTok from someone who says they're a luxury brand's Chinese manufacturer, I urge you to ask yourself why you want the item. I won't look down on someone who decides, "I can't afford a $10,000 bag, but I like the shape and think it would fit my lifestyle." If you like it, and you buy an inexpensive dupe because you can't afford $10,000, more power to you. You made that decision because that was best for you. Don't buy a fake bag that's being passed off as a Hermès Birkin, label and all, just because of TikTok. And please don't go around with a counterfeit Birkin saying, "Look at my Hermès bag," when it's not, in fact, Hermès.
USA Today
18-04-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
What's trending on TikTok this week? A $15 Uniqlo mini bag, an iPhone toaster and a finger pointer
What's trending on TikTok this week? A $15 Uniqlo mini bag, an iPhone toaster and a finger pointer Consider this your weekly guide to the internet's most viral products across beauty, wellness, travel and beyond. Looking for a bite-sized taste of TikTok's biggest shopping trends? Rest assured, you've come to the right place. I spend an unseemly amount of time on TikTok—scrolling through product recommendations and sourcing the internet's best shopping deals. In an effort to put my clip-cruising habits to good use, I'll be coming to you every Friday with an overview of the week's most viral TikTok products, including reasoning behind why certain items are trending, what professional shoppers (like myself) really think about them and why they deserve a spot in your online shopping cart (and a double-tap). In this week's installment, I break down some of TikTok's most popular products right now, including the just-restocked Uniqlo mini bag, a great deal on Amazon's best-selling smart outdoor projector, the iPhone toaster taking the internet by storm and the K-Beauty skincare staple that keeps selling out—especially amid changing tariff policy. Keep reading to shop this week's most viral TikTok products, starting at $12. 📲 More: TikTok's current obsessions? Trader Joe's mini totes, beef tallow skincare and more Shop this week's most viral TikTok products 1. Uniqlo just restocked its famous Mini Shoulder Bag One thing about Uniqlo's Round Mini Shoulder Bag: It's going to sell out in every color imaginable. The TikTok-viral accessory has ascended to cult-favorite status on the app, with shoppers calling it the "It" bag for summer 2025 and beyond. While the shoulder bag is currently sold out in most of its offered colorways on Uniqlo's site, the brand just restocked it in natural and off-white shades. My verdict? Cute, compact and easy to clean—this bag is so versatile and convenient, I'm honestly surprised there are any colors left to even shop (though not for much longer, if I have anything to do with it). While the Uniqlo bag is a little too casual for me to wear on a date night, I do love the accessory for travel and daytime activities. Plus, you can't beat that under $15 price tag—especially ahead of frugal girl summer (yes, there's a TikTok trend for everything). The viral Walmart Birkin bag sold out: We found Birkin-inspired purses you can buy today 2. This K-beauty skincare staple keeps selling out With all the uncertainty surrounding President Donald Trump's global tariff policy, many TikTok users are stocking up on their most essential K-Beauty skincare products now, before prices inevitably go up—or their favorite formulas can no longer be shipped to the United States. This Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum is one of many such items that TikTok shoppers are buying in bulk, as it's currently a best-seller on Amazon—with a 4.3 rating and over 6,000 five-star reviews that speak to its effectiveness. My verdict? As a huge K-Beauty stan and frequent user of other K-Beauty favorites like the Cosrx Snail Mucin Essence and Illiyoon Ceramide Ato Lotion, I too have been panic-stocking up on my most trusted skincare staples. With this eye cream in particular, Amazon shoppers claim that the solution is so effective, it can remedy dark circles and revive tired-looking eyes after only a few uses. The real test: Can it conceal my visible exhaustion in keeping up with these ever-changing tariff policies? I'll have to report back. Want glass skin like Kylie Jenner? Get her Medicube Age-R Booster Pro on sale 3. TikTok shoppers love this smart projector for outdoor entertaining With this Magcubic Mini Projector, you can watch your favorite movies and TV shows with ease—whether you're cuddled up indoors or having a backyard hang outside. The smart projector is equipped with multiple apps, eliminating the need for a separate TV stick in order to stream videos or access your favorite programs. Amazon shoppers love its portable design that's made to go anywhere and the fact that it projects a remarkably clear picture. My verdict? Outdoor hosting season is just around the corner, and this Amazon projector will provide an easy way to keep your guests (and kiddos) occupied with their favorite programs, while also incentivizing them to spend more time outdoors. More: 13 grills on sale to help you conquer backyard barbecues on a budget When I first saw the words "iPhone toaster" pop up on my TikTok feed, my initial reaction was genuine distress. I wondered: "Who could possibly be the target market for this?" and "Is this the pinnacle of American consumerism?" and finally, "How long until iPhone coolers become a mainstream product, too?" Upon further research, I realized the "iPhone toaster" in question was thankfully just a charging system with a cheeky name that allows you to charge your iPhone within a matter of seconds—and contrary to my knee-jerk analysis, the product is actually quite cool. My verdict? Do I need another charging system in my life? No. Do I have the countertop space necessary for a charging system the size of a toaster oven? Also no. Will I inevitably be buying this genius Swippitt Instant Power System just for the sake of treating my iPhone with the same care as my morning bagel? Yes, probably. Go solar: This portable solar phone charger has been a reader-favorite this spring 5. TikTok's finger pointing trend is all about adding more whimsy to your life (and videos) This week in "Impossible to Explain TikTok Trends," we have the finger pointing trend—which, contrary to its name, is not simply about passing blame onto others (if it was, I've been unintentionally participating for years). Instead, the trend is all about using a Fingers Telescopic Pointer to playfully point at things in videos, similar to that of a teacher—but with much less informational topics as the focus (see: using coasters to avoid liquid rings on countertops). My verdict? I love incorporating quirky accents into my life that help to make it feel more whimsical and ridiculous—like adding googly eyes to my Roomba vacuum or sipping my nightly wine out of a chalice so that I can cosplay as a "Game of Thrones" character. This unique pointer feels like a fun extension of that—albeit a somewhat condescending one. But hey, if you're looking for a fun way to revamp your social videos—or get your point across without having to actually speak—you definitely need this in your life. 📲 Follow us: Check out USA TODAY Shopping on Instagram for deals, trends and more How do I determine TikTok's most viral products? There are a couple factors I take into consideration when narrowing down the best TikTok products on any given week, including: Which product categories are trending on TikTok? Is there an organic discourse surrounding individual items? Are there product reviews from shoppers that can support the hype surrounding a popular TikTok product? Understanding the functionality of an item—beyond just its virality—is critical in assessing its value, and I ensure that any products recommended here are also backed by USA Today Shopping editors and readers, and boast no lower than a 4.0 average rating.
Chicago Tribune
10-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
The ‘Walmart Birkin' is sold out, but Amazon has some options
The viral look-alikes have caused quite a stir If you've seen the Walmart Birkin (the 'Wirkin') on TikTok, then you know it's an affordable copy of Hermès' iconic luxury bag that has been known to go for anywhere from $20,000 to $100,000. And you probably know that the Walmart version caused such a fashion frenzy that the retailer was forced to take it off the site, which has made it even more exclusive to bargain hunters and trendsetters. The good news is, there are other lookalike versions of the legendary accessory, and Amazon has some available now. Dasein Top Handle Satchel with Matching Clutch Adorned with gold-tone hardware, this faux-ostrich army green satchel is a dream. The main compartment has an inner zipper pouch, there's a back zipper pocket and two slot pockets. The matching clutch means you can go from day to night without bringing another purse, and with over 15 colors to choose from, there's a hue for every mood. MARCO M KELLY Top Handle Shoulder Purses with Matching Wristlet This vegan leather purse is scratch- and tear-resistant. The basic black is great for everyday use, and it's roomy enough to store everything you need for the daily grind. It's also got multiple pockets, and if black isn't your color, there are three others to try: gray, light blue and tan. Dasein Top Handle Tote Satchel Purse with Matching Wristlet Made with a slightly boxier design than some of the others, this satchel has a top zipper closure, an extra flap-over fastener, two internal zip pockets, one slip pocket and comes with a matching wristlet that makes an excellent wallet. MKP Top Handle Tote Bag with Matching Wristlet Wallet This vegan leather satchel bag is offered in five bold colors, has bottom studs, sturdy handles and a dangling padlock adornment. Use the included wallet wristlet when you have to run a quick errand or meet friends when out for the night. Michael Kors Marilyn Medium Satchel If you want to glam it up at the office, a Michael Kors bag is always a good idea. This leather purse is structured, has room for everything, including a special place for your phone, has a leather strap if you want to wear it crossbody and comes in colorways ranging from the fashion house's iconic logo-print canvas to a rich caramel and faux snake print. Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change. Check out our Daily Deals for the best products at the best prices and sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter full of shopping inspo and sales. BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
