Latest news with #Wirkin
Daily Maverick
6 days ago
- Business
- Daily Maverick
Birkin v Wirkin: the backlash against the global elite and their luxury bags
The Birkin bag made by luxury retailer Hermès is a must-have for the global elite. Listen to The Conversation Weekly podcast to hear two sociologist discuss what it symbolises. The Birkin bag made by French luxury retailer Hermès has become a status symbol for some of the global elite. Notoriously difficult to obtain, a select few obsess over how to get their hands on one. But when US retailer Walmart recently launched a much cheaper bag that looked very similar to the Birkin, nicknamed a 'Wirkin' by others, it sparked discussions about wealth disparity and the ethics of conspicuous consumption. In this episode of The Conversation Weekly podcast, we speak to two sociologists about the Birkin and what it symbolises. For the rich housewives of Delhi, the Birkin bag is a must-have, says Parul Bhandari. A sociologist at the University of Cambridge in the UK, she's spent time interviewing wealthy Indian women about their lives and preoccupations. She told us: A bag that is carried by rich women of New York, of London, of Paris, is something that you desire as well, so it's a ticket of entry into the global elite. Birkins are also used by some of these rich women as a way to show off their husbands' affection, Bhandari says: ' Not only from the point of view of money, because obviously this bag is extremely expensive, but also because it is difficult to procure.' The harder your husband tries to help you get the bag, the more getting one is a testimony of conjugal love. Manufactured scarcity Named after the British actress Jane Birkin, Hermès's signature bag can cost tens of thousands of dollars, or more on the resale market for those made in rare colours or out of rare leathers. But you can't just walk into any Hermès store to buy one, as Aarushi Bhandari, a sociologist at Davidson College in the US, who studies the internet – and is no relation to Parul – explains. You need to have a record of spending tens of thousands of dollars even before you're offered to buy one. But spending that money doesn't automatically mean you get a bag. You have to develop a relationship with a sales associate at a particular Hermès store, and the sales associate really gets to decide, if there's availability, whether or not you get offered a bag. Bhandari became intrigued by online communities where people discuss the best strategies for obtaining a Hermès. So when US retailer Walmart launched a bag in late 2024 that looked very similar to a Birkin, and the internet went wild, Bhandari was fascinated. She began to see posts on TikTok discussing the bag. First, it was fashion accounts talking it up, but then a backlash began, with some users criticising those who would spend thousands on a real Birkin and praising the 'Wirkin' as a way to make an iconic design accessible to regular people. Bhandari sees this as an example of an accelerating form of anti-elitism taking hold within parts of online culture. @chronicallychaotic_ Why aren't people ashamed and embarrassed to flaunt wealth? ♬ original sound – Chronically Chaotic In February, the chief executive of Hermès, Axel Dumas, admitted that he was 'irritated' by the Walmart bag and that the company took counterfeiting 'very seriously'. The Walmart bag quickly sold out, and no more were put on sale. It has since entered into a partnership with a secondhand luxury resale platform called Rebag, meaning customers can buy real Birkins secondhand through Walmart's online marketplace. The Conversation approached Hermès for comment on the Walmart bag, and to confirm how the company decides who is eligible to buy a Birkin. Hermès did not respond. DM This story first appeared in The Conversation. Gemma Ware is the Host of The Conversation Weekly Podcast, The Conversation. Listen to the full episode of The Conversation Weekly podcast to hear our conversation with Parul Bhandari and Aarushi Bhandari, plus an introduction from Nick Lehr, arts and culture editor at The Conversation in the US. This episode of The Conversation Weekly was written and produced by Katie Flood. Mixing and sound design by Eloise Stevens and theme music by Neeta Sarl.
Forbes
10-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Record Is Broken As Original Birkin Sells For €8,582,500 At Auction
Jane Birkin's Original Birkin on sale at Sotheby's Paris Few items are as iconic as the Hermès Birkin handbag, which has become the symbol of ultimate luxury and exclusivity. It has been immortalized in popular culture across various disciplines—films, music, literature—and is loved by celebrities who proudly carry it on their arms for us all to admire. There is even a coveted dupe, the Wirkin, sold at Walmart, which has sparked much debate on the subject. Until today, the most expensive handbag ever sold at auction is a White Himalaya Niloticus Crocodile Diamond Returnee Kelly 28, which fetched $513,040, but fashion history was made in Paris this afternoon, when the original Birkin prototype, owned by Jane Birkin herself, was sold at auction for €8,582.500 reflecting a growing trend in the sale of second-hand luxury items. Investing In Collectable Pieces There has been a rise in the sale of luxury second-hand items in recent times, particularly of rare pieces or those with a rich history. Money Week suggests that investing in luxury goods can yield dividends. According to the Knight Frank index, the strongest-performing luxury asset last year was handbags, which posted a 2.8% return, compared to a loss of 9% for whisky and an 18.3% loss for art. Over five years, the handbag sector is up 34%. Furthermore, BCG states that wealthy investors are increasingly seeking alternative investments to diversify their portfolios and hedge against inflation. They cite the example of luxury watches, which have generally delivered strong price performance in the market over the past five to ten years, confirming that the sector is growing. I spoke to Tobias Kormind, co-founder and managing director of 77diamonds. He told me that for the last couple of years he has seen a steady increase in collectable items such as jewelry, art, or uncommon items such as this original Birkin handbag. He added that in an age when micro-trends are rife on social media, and keeping up with them seems to become more and more complicated, these rare and collectable items hold a particular appeal, not only for their investment value, but also for what they represent: something timeless and unchanging, a unique story captured through the object that cannot be replicated in any way. Kormind also explained that people are more interested in purchasing collectables as investment pieces, giving me the example of rare diamonds and jewelry pieces going on auction, such as Marie Antoinette's infamous jewelry collection, which included a necklace that created a lot of controversy in the lead-up to the French Revolution. 'A unique story that opens a window in time, and just cannot be replicated in any other way,' he says. British-French actress, singer-songwriter and fashion model Jane Birkin, UK, 25th October 1968 ... More (Photo by Daily Express/) The Story Of The Original Birkin The Birkin bag is made by Hermès, the luxury house founded in 1837 by Thierry Hermès (1801-1878), who opened a leather workshop in Paris at 56 rue Basse du Rempart. There, he produced leather goods for equestrian attire, including horse harnesses, fittings, and bridles, which he'd sew by hand, using a saddle stitch, with a waxed thread and two needles to provide extra strength. The same stitch is still used when creating a Birkin bag, which takes between 18 and 24 hours to make, and is sewn entirely by hand by a single artisan who has undergone years of training before being entrusted with the job. As told by Jane Birkin in an interview with CBS, the story of the unique Birkin Bag begins at an airport. She was flying from Paris to London on an Air France flight when, upon check-in, a flight attendant upgraded her to First Class. Once on board, she found herself seated next to a very polite gentleman. As she was getting settled, her agenda fell on the floor, scattering papers everywhere, to which the gentleman beside her suggested she use an agenda with pockets. Birkin replied, 'What can you do? Hermès doesn't make them with pockets.' At this point, the gentleman revealed his identity: he was Jean-Louis Dumas (Executive Chairman of Hermès from 1978 to 2006). Birkin told him how difficult it was to find a leather bag that met all her needs as a young mother, explaining that she required something larger than the Kelly bag (a smaller Hermès handbag) but not as large as a suitcase. Together, they sketched the desired bag on the back of a paper sick-bag, which Jean-Louis Dumas took away with him. A month later, he called Jane Birkin and invited her to review the prototype, which was made of cardboard. Once they had discussed the details, Hermès asked if they could name the bag after her, to which she agreed. Talking to Kurmind, we discuss the extreme importance of the story behind each piece in connection to its selling value. 'In fact,' he says, 'I would say that it's the story that makes the inherent value of the piece. Without it, it would just be a very luxurious, well-made object; but it's the story that elevates its desirability to incredible levels. Now all that is left to ask is just how high people are willing to pay to own a little piece of history.' Jane Birkin's Original Birkin. Her initials are embossed on the bag Seven Differences The Original Birkin bag is full of character. Jane Birkin used it daily and filled it to the brim. She used to carry keys and charms on it that would create a bell-like sound when she walked. Jane Birkin also placed stickers on her bag in support of humanitarian causes such as Médecins du Monde and UNICEF. In 1994, she donated this bag to the French AIDS charity Association Solidarité Sida for an auction. It was then resold at auction by Poulain Le Fur in May 2000 and has remained in private hands until today, when the legendary accessory headlined the Fashion Icons sale at Sotheby's Paris. Jane Birkin's Original Birkin had a shoulder strap As described by Morgane Halimi, Sotheby's Global Head of Handbags and Fashion, the bag is a true unicorn in the world of fashion and accessories. Being the prototype, the original Birkin bag auctioned today differs slightly from the standard Birkin bags available on the market. Firstly, its size is unique: it has the width and height of a Birkin 35 cm but the depth of a 40 cm Birkin. Unlike later models, it features closed metal brackets and a zip made by the Éclair company (before Hermès began a partnership with the Riri company). It features an attached shoulder strap and has her initials, J.B., embossed on the front flap. Like all Birkin bags, this one has studs on the base, but these are smaller than the standard ones used today. The original also displays gilded brass hardware, which in later models was replaced by gold-plated hardware and other finishes. Finally, the bag comes with a set of nail clippers attached to the base of the strap, a reflection of the practical nature and tomboy aesthetic Jane Birkin personified. Jane Birkin's Original Birkin has a pair of nail clippers attached to the strap Today's record sale comes as no surprise. The Original Birkin bag is a piece of fashion history. Unique in its finish, this iconic piece was made specifically for Jane Birkin. As Kormind says, it's the one she used, the one that started the trend and therefore the one whose story is one-of-a-kind. Jane Birkin
Buzz Feed
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
Walmart Releases King Krumb Crumbl Dupe
We all know Walmart is no stranger to creating dupes for beloved products (never forget the Wirkin), so it's no surprise that they've done it again in the bakery section with their very own Crumbl dupe. In case you're unfamiliar with it, Crumbl is a cookie shop chain that first opened in 2017 and has since expanded massively across the US and even internationally. They offer a weekly rotating menu of flavors and have even worked on celebrity collabs with the Kardashians, Olivia Rodrigo, and their latest, Benson Boone. Walmart's new King Krumb cookies aren't offering wild rotating menus, but they do come in three flavors that mimic signature Crumbl cookies: Decadent Chocolate Chunk, Confetti Birthday Cake, and Triple Chocolate Fudge, and retail for $5.97 for a two-pack (so roughly $3 a cookie). Compared to Crumbl's $5.29 for one standard cookie (more if you get specialty varieties), it sure seems like a steal. That said, Walmart definitely wants you (and the CEO of Crumbl) to know they are not associated with Crumbl in any way. It's even printed on their box. Good lookin' out, King Krumb. Because every good dupe needs a side-by-side, let's take a closer look at each cookie versus its supposed Crumbl counterpart. First up, King Krumb's Decadent Chocolate Chunk Cookie versus Crumbl's Milk Chocolate Cookie: King Krumb actually uses semi-sweet chocolate in their cookie, and I know Crumbl purists are going to tell me that the chain offers a Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chunk Cookie. However, it doesn't seem like it pops up on their menu as often (I am a Crumbl virgin, though, so please correct me if I'm wrong). Next up, we have King Krumb's Confetti Birthday Cake Cookie versus Crumbl's Confetti Cake Cookie: Obviously, the most notable difference here is Crumbl's signature pink frosting on their cookie that's absent from Walmart's. Instead, Walmart opts for white chocolate chips. And last but not least (well, least for me because I despise a chocolate cookie base), King Krumb's Triple Chocolate Fudge Cookie versus Crumbl's Triple Chocolate Chip Cookie: While Crumbl's cookie offers semi-sweet, milk, and white chocolate chips, it's unclear where the "triple chocolate" comes in for Walmart's version, since they only use semi-sweet chocolate. Is there three times the amount of chocolate...? Unclear! Desserts are obviously personal, so reviews for the dupes so far are pretty mixed. @snackolator, an account that focuses on reviewing, you guessed, snacks and little treats, wasn't wildly impressed. Hey, you! Wanna cook 7,500+ recipes in step-by-step mode (with helpful videos) right from your phone? Download the free Tasty app right now. He points out that the cookies are "dry" and that there's "no comparison" to a fresh Crumbl cookie. While he says the Confetti Birthday Cake Cookie tastes the best of the bunch, each cookie gets just under a 7/10 rating from him. On the other hand, Morgan Chomps (aka @morganchompz), another TikTok food reviewer, was all for King Krumb. "I'm not sure if I'm more of a fan of the taste or the texture," she says of all the cookies she tries. She describes them as being "soft and chewy" with more of a "bakery-style" flavor than Crumbl. Similar to @snackolator, Morgan's favorite was the Confetti Birthday Cake, which gets a 9.5/10 from her. It seems that the general consensus is that while the intention was for King Krumb to be a Crumbl dupe (I mean, just look at the name), they're more comparable to a standard grocery store bakery cookie. Even so, for half the price of Crumbl, commenters are willing to give the king a try. Have you tried King Krumb cookies, or does your heart belong to Crumbl? Let us know in the comments! For those of you who can't get to a Walmart or Crumbl near you, download the Tasty app to browse and save hundreds of decadent cookie recipes — no subscription required.
The Irish Sun
04-06-2025
- Business
- The Irish Sun
Popular supermarket launches £20 dupe of £11k Birkin bags Victoria Beckham & Olivia Attwood love – it comes in 2 colours
IF your bank balance is getting in the way of your true style, don't worry. You will soon be able to replicate the iconic Birkin bag look with a new budget-friendly dupe. 5 Tu is launching a £20 handbag that is similar in style to the iconic Birkin bag Credit: Tu 5 Victoria Beckham is often seen carrying her pricey Birkin bag when out in public Credit: Alamy 5 The popular supermarket also has added a similar purse in cream - and it's already become a hit amongst fashionistas Credit: SAINSBURY'S Often spotted on the arm of Victoria Beckham or Even Kylie Jenner's daughter sported one when she was just learning to walk. However, at £11,000 a-piece, Birkins are not exactly a go-to buy for most people. But now you can pick up a similar style handbag at a much much cheaper price, and it is available in two colours. Read More On Fashion Dupes Fashion brand Tu have announced the re-launch a popular handbag style. The belted bag is will soon returned to UK shelves, reimagining the classic silhouette with sculptural lines. And this stylish and chic buy will only set you back £20, making it ideal for everyday use. In fact, the timeless design means it can be worn "season after season". Most read in Fabulous Tu's Belted Bag is due to launch in late July and will be available from a variety of platforms. You will be able to order it online from I get stopped in the street by people asking where my perfume's from - it's a dupe of a designer scent & saves me £135 And most excitingly, it will also be stocked in select Sainsbury's stores. If black is not your colour and you're after something else, the supermarket is also adding a new Neutral Faux Leather Tote Bag in a classic cream shade. Priced at a wallet-friendly £20, this bag is sure to become a major hit - and you certainly don't want to miss out on it. Made of a faux leather material, the chic purse has a handle, adjustable strap, as well as multiple compartments for you to store away your daily essentials. One thrifty fashionista wrote: ''Really nice handbag for the price, nice large size but light in weight. ''Can use with handles or strap. Love it, beige or black. Nice every day bag.'' Someone else chimed in with their review, writing: ''For the price I had my money's worth and I will buy more as a back up. Great cheap bag for work.'' Tu clothing items are available in over 400 Sainsbury's locations across the UK. Birkin Bags remain highly sought after by celebrities and collectors due to its craftmanship. While a Birkin's exclusivity and rarity make it a hot commodity the style is actually quite relaxed. The classic Birkin silhouette is constructed in Hermès' signature retourne style. Why you should always buy a dupe over designer... Fashion Editor Clemmie Fieldsend says it's time fashion snobs stopped looking down their noses at affordable versions of designer buys. Bargain US supermarket Walmart became a social media sensation when its £60 dupe of Hermès' Birkin bag, dubbed the Wirkin, went viral. Influencer @styledbykristi gushed: "Eighty dollars (£60), you can pretend that you got a Birkin. I mean, everyone will probably know it's not, because who the hell has the money to spend on the real Birkin? Not me.' Me neither. And why bother? I would never spend that on a designer bag (although if someone wants to buy one for me, that's a different story). Plus, if I splashed that much, I'd feel I was being ripped off... We've all been told how the leading brands use the finest leather, thread, dyes and craftsmanship in the world. But all that is inflated by fashion houses to create the desired illusion of exclusivity. Just last year, Dior came under investigation for paying £44 to assemble a bag that sells for £2,000. So while you might think you are paying for top-level craftsmanship carried out by a true artisan, chances are the poorly paid workers are not seeing any of your hard-earned cash. Dupes — not to be mistaken for knock-offs that copy everything from the logo to the inside label — are a more practical and all-round sensible way to go. I bought my first when I was 18. It lasted me four years and only broke after I wore it in the shower. And these days, British high streets have plenty of dupes. In the past three years, Marks & Spencer, H&M and Mango have all seen huge spikes in sales thanks to their canny copies. They use the same viral, must-have marketing tactics that pricey brands have. Fashion folk will tell you that you are making an investment and buying a 'heritage piece' and will turn their noses up at a high street equivalent. But we've been wearing looks inspired by catwalk designers for decades. If we can buy a bag that's the spitting image of the pricier version, but doesn't mean you have to remortgage, why not? This means the bag is stitched inside out and then reversed, giving the piece a less structured and more relaxed shape M&S previously stocked a Meanwhile, New Look has a dupe of the iconic Bottega buy, but £8,400 cheaper. And 5 Olivia Attwood is also a fan of the iconic Birkin bag Credit: Instaggram / @olivia_attwood 5 Now you can rock Kim K's look for just £20 Credit: Alamy
The Irish Sun
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Real Housewives star urges fans to buy Amazon heels that ‘look rich' & a great dupe for Louboutins costing £635 more
A POPULAR Real Housewives star has fans running to get a pair of Amazon heels. New York , has now become a social media star sharing her top buys. 3 Real Housewives star Bethany Frankel shares her top buy from Amazon Credit: Tiktok/@bethennyfrankel 3 She revealed the shoes were super comfortable and 'look rich' Credit: Tiktok/@bethennyfrankel 3 They also look a lot like Louboutin's Me Dolly heels Credit: Christian Louboutin And her most recent find has left fans rushing to Amazon. Taking to TikTok, Bethany revealed she found the perfect pair of heels for summer and they look a lot like Louboutin's Me Dolly sandals. She said: "Amazon shoe announcement. I want to gatekeep." While the reality star wanted to keep the buy to herself, she decided to share it with her followers. READ MORE FASHION DUPES The peep toe shoes come with a super high, sleek heel and are from the brand The top leather has a smooth, low-cut style to elongate the legs and adds a retro touch. The shoes come in multiple colours and the price starts at just £55.30. Bethany added: "They're comfortable. They look rich. They're just it. These are Amazon shoes. Most read in Fabulous "You're not welcome because I don't want you to have them because my whole team copies everything I do and it's irritating, but I can't keep it from you. "I'm going back on now and buying every color so you can't have them all. You can only get the ones you get. I get first dibs." Primark drops 'stunning' £20 flower heels that are perfect for summer and dupe for £895 celeb-loved designer buy The shoe looks super similar to Louboutin's Me Dolly heels which come in a patent calf leather and cost an eye-watering £690. The dupe Bethany found from Amazon were a fraction of the price and could save you £635. Fans of Bethany's were quick to thank her for sharing the One person wrote: "Yes Beth, the actual Lord's work." Why you should always buy a dupe over designer... Fashion Editor Clemmie Fieldsend says it's time fashion snobs stopped looking down their noses at affordable versions of designer buys. Bargain US supermarket Walmart became a social media sensation when its £60 dupe of Hermès' Birkin bag, dubbed the Wirkin, went viral. Influencer @styledbykristi gushed: "Eighty dollars (£60), you can pretend that you got a Birkin. I mean, everyone will probably know it's not, because who the hell has the money to spend on the real Birkin? Not me.' Me neither. And why bother? I would never spend that on a designer bag (although if someone wants to buy one for me, that's a different story). Plus, if I splashed that much, I'd feel I was being ripped off... We've all been told how the leading brands use the finest leather, thread, dyes and craftsmanship in the world. But all that is inflated by fashion houses to create the desired illusion of exclusivity. Just last year, Dior came under investigation for paying £44 to assemble a bag that sells for £2,000. So while you might think you are paying for top-level craftsmanship carried out by a true artisan, chances are the poorly paid workers are not seeing any of your hard-earned cash. Dupes — not to be mistaken for knock-offs that copy everything from the logo to the inside label — are a more practical and all-round sensible way to go. I bought my first when I was 18. It lasted me four years and only broke after I wore it in the shower. And these days, British high streets have plenty of dupes. In the past three years, Marks & Spencer, H&M and Mango have all seen huge spikes in sales thanks to their canny copies. They use the same viral, must-have marketing tactics that pricey brands have. Fashion folk will tell you that you are making an investment and buying a 'heritage piece' and will turn their noses up at a high street equivalent. But we've been wearing looks inspired by catwalk designers for decades. If we can buy a bag that's the spitting image of the pricier version, but doesn't mean you have to remortgage, why not? Another commented: 'Thanks Bethany for sharing." "I LOVE them! Gorg!" penned a third. Meanwhile a fourth said: "I need them." "I literally want them in EVERY color!! Ordered the light green and I can't wait,' claimed a fifth. Someone else added: 'I have the black ones and LOVE them!" Fabulous will pay for your exclusive stories. Just email: fabulousdigital@ and pop EXCLUSIVE in the subject line .
