Emma Burleigh's article in Fortune discusses the cultural shift surrounding the Hermes Birkin bag, once a symbol of extreme wealth and status. With the introduction of budget replicas by Walmart in 2024, known as Wirkins, the luxury landscape faced a transformation where owning a fake Birkin became a trend, reflecting a new perspective on authenticity. As young influencers flaunted these affordable versions on social media, the ironic display of luxury suggested a growing acceptance of democratized fashion and a departure from the stigma associated with counterfeit items.
"The luxury that can't be bought; sporting a fake Birkin has begun to be seen as a display of ironic ostentatiousness, a knowing wink to democratization of luxury."
"Walmart began to sell virtually identical copies of the famous bag for less than $100. The imitations, dubbed Wirkins, have become common sightings."
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