The Wal-Mart Birkin Sparks Controversy in the Fashion World
Wal-Mart has introduced an imitation of the iconic Birkin bag, a luxury accessory from the French label Hermès. While an Hermès Birkin typically sells for around $10,000 (£8,000) for smaller sizes, Wal-Mart’s alternative is priced at just $78.99 (£62.83). This has stirred a strong reaction among fashion enthusiasts, many of whom are appalled at seeing this once-exclusive bag now available to a wider audience. There is also criticism of the practice of replicating original creations and selling them as cheaper options. Nevertheless, the bag has gone viral and captivated social media.
The Birkin is notoriously hard to obtain from Hermès. Potential buyers often must spend between $50,000 and $10,000 (consider converting this into pounds on your own) before they can be considered for a purchase. Even once an offer to buy a bag is extended, customers can’t select their preferred model; rather, they must book a private appointment with staff who will present available options at their discretion.
Source: Just me, feeling bored
