Walmart gave customers a chance to experience the finer things in life by offering camo Hermès Birkin bags, but fashion experts warn it could be bad for business. .
With prices ranging from just $78 to $100, it’s no wonder Walmart’s affordable alternatives are sold out in nearly every color online. This budget-friendly option is a fraction of the price of an iconic Hermès Birkin sold at global auction house Sotheby’s. Leather versions start at around $10,000 and can soar to more than $400,000 for a diamond Himalayan Birkin.
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The Birkin has long been a global symbol of success and exclusivity, with celebrities such as the Kardashians and Victoria Beckham known to own multiple versions of the accessory.
But industry experts disagree, warning of wider implications for the fashion world.
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dilute brand prestige
Michael Mack, a Las Vegas luxury goods reseller known as the Birkin Matchmaker, shared his concerns with Newsweek. “Walmart’s Birkin replicas may offer a similar look at a lower price, but as a firm supporter of authenticity, I consider it part of the Birkin.”More big problem.
“Imitation bags like this can blur the lines and ultimately undermine the craftsmanship and exclusivity that makes iconic designs like the Birkin so special.”
walmart
Jennifer Johnson, founder of Florida lifestyle reseller True Fashionista, agreed. She said: “While this system allows people who can’t afford it (or don’t want to spend that kind of money) to own luxury or luxury brands, it poses a huge risk to genuine brands. “It will dilute it,” he said. How the value decreases over time.
“After all, luxury brands have historically been priced to be exclusive. Luxury brands have an air of luxury and rarity, and flooding the market with ducks erodes that exclusivity. It is damaged.”
“Double-edged sword”
Ben Schreiber, chief marketing officer of New York-based Latico Leathers, took a different view, calling the counterfeit products “fantastic.”
He told Newsweek magazine: “Idiots like Birkin recognize the cultural importance of luxury goods. If Birkins weren’t a big deal, no one would go to the trouble of making knock-offs. A note of irony that often acts as a light-hearted reminder of what permeates everyday attire. ”
Camo in the fashion industry is a “double-edged sword,” Schreiber said.
“On the one hand, they create excitement and increase the appeal of a high-end look. On the other hand, they force luxury goods to justify their value, because, let’s be honest, Wal-Mart “We do not claim that the product is authentic.” “Hand-stitched by artisans in Paris.” This has led luxury brands to place even more emphasis on craftsmanship and storytelling, a boon for those who appreciate authentic artistry. ”
Walmart faces potential financial risks
Walmart’s leather tote bags, sold under names such as “KAMUGO Genuine Leather Handbag Wallet for Women,” share Hermès Birkin features with gold locks, studded bottoms, and most notably, their iconic shape. They feature striking similarities.
Newsweek spoke with Rania Sedom, managing partner of Sedom Law Group.
She says, “The Hermès Birkin cannot be reproduced without legal repercussions. The Birkin bag is protected in a number of ways: the logo is a registered trademark, the shape of the bag is a registered trademark, and the Hermès The leather we use has trade dress protection.” Hermès also holds various design patents.
“Therefore, no one can imitate the shape of a Hermès Birkin or the texture and feel of Hermès leather without breaking the law. Therefore, Walmart is putting itself at risk by making these bags available for purchase. “This could result in significant fines.” ”
Newsweek reached out to Walmart and Hermès for comment via email.
internet sensation
The bag is described on Walmart’s website as having a “stylish, simple exterior, practical internal structure, and streamlined compartments,” and has sparked widespread conversation among influencers and fashion enthusiasts. Ta.
Even TV personality Bethenny Frankel (@bethennyfrankel) weighed in on TikTok, calling the camo “glamorous” and praising it for giving people a chance to participate “fairly” in the Hermès hype. .
So far, Frankel’s video, posted on Dec. 28, has received 5.2 million views and mixed comments. Some users said they find it difficult to buy things from Walmart, while others said they refuse to buy expensive items.
“I grew up with billionaire parents (I’m 50) and my pops always said, ‘We don’t redistribute our wealth to borrow someone else’s name.’ That stuck with me! Needless to say, I’m too cheap to buy the name,” one user said.
Another said: “I worked in fashion design. I avoided the most common designer bags because there were too many imitations and it got boring. I started getting more and more compliments on my weird teddy bear bag. I did it!”
A third commenter said: “I saw it online and it was real leather. Well worth the $80 functionally designed leather bag. I don’t know if it’s a Birkens copy or not. Except (sic),” he wrote.
