What's Trending In Fashion (Luigi Mangione's Sweater Sold Out & Walmart Birkins)

Fashion’s hottest trending topics: Walmart Birkins & Luigi Mangione’s iconic sweater!

Check Out My Fashion E-Book: https://www.thefashionarchivemag.com/shop

Join My Patreon For Exclusive Content: https://www.patreon.com/fashionroadman

Listen To My Streams On The Go Via SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/30khAeSML8vrmhrbCL86Ca

V I D E O S T O W A T C H N E X T:

How Fashion Week Makes Designers Go Bankrupt - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abkrt5GfBLY&list=PLslCy-167FEOHq45hYvJ6jNWmVKBxmTiB&ab_channel=FashionRoadman

How Karl Lagerfeld Transformed Chanel - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eraC0FXlU9Y&list=PLslCy-167FEMQo12QMH-R-hXjLCixt_Bv&index=10&ab_channel=FashionRoadman

Why Luxury Brands Are A Big Waste Of Money - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zO8eaI78Jg8&list=PLslCy-167FEM7OO6n57sq54xYZkOr8d3J&ab_channel=FashionRoadman

MORE INFO
In the world of high fashion, few accessories command as much attention—or aspiration—as the Hermès Birkin bag. Prized for its exclusivity, craftsmanship, and astronomical price tag that starts in the five figures, the Birkin has become a status symbol for the elite. Yet, an unexpected contender has entered the fray: a 78 dollar bag sold on Walmart’s website that has been dubbed the "Wirkin" by social media users.

The so-called "Walmart Birkin" has gained traction thanks to platforms like TikTok, where fashion enthusiasts have embraced its affordability and aesthetic resemblance to the iconic Hermès design. Videos featuring unboxings and styling ideas have gone viral under hashtags like #walmartbirkin, creating a social media frenzy around the product.

Manufactured from PU leather, the Wirkin is marketed in multiple colors and sizes. While it lacks the luxurious materials and artisanal craftsmanship of its namesake, the bag borrows heavily from the Birkin’s signature design elements. These include horizontal strapped clasps, a trapezoidal body shape, and a minimalist yet structured silhouette. Despite these similarities, the Wirkin remains a far cry from the Hermès original, which can cost as much as a small car—or more.

The striking resemblance to the Hermès Birkin raises questions about potential copyright infringement. Hermès has been vigilant in protecting its intellectual property, and the Birkin has been at the center of numerous legal battles over the years. For instance, the French luxury house successfully sued online marketplaces and counterfeiters who attempted to capitalise on the Birkin’s allure.

While the Wirkin’s resemblance to the Birkin might seem obvious to consumers, legal action could hinge on whether the design elements in question are protected under intellectual property laws. However, the line between inspiration and infringement is notoriously murky in fashion, an industry often built on reimagining and reinterpreting iconic designs.

Adding to the intrigue, Walmart’s online marketplace also features genuine Hermès bags sold through third-party vendors. This juxtaposition—a 78 dollar imitation alongside authentic Hermès products listed for tens of thousands of dollars—has left shoppers bewildered. It underscores the complexities of Walmart’s e-commerce strategy, which blends budget-friendly offerings with high-end goods to appeal to a diverse customer base.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Luigi Mangione, the man suspected of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, became an unlikely fashion influencer after his appearance in a Manhattan courtroom.

The 26-year-old was attending his arraignment hearing on Monday (December 23) where he faces 11 counts in New York, including first-degree murder in furtherance of terrorism, second-degree murder in furtherance of terrorism, and multiple weapons offenses. However, all eyes appeared to be on his burgundy sweater.

Mangione was wearing a white-collared shirt underneath the sweater in addition to light grey slacks and orange shoes at the courthouse. While fans first thought his sweater was a $1,000 Maison Margiela sweater, it was later determined that Mangione was wearing the “washable Merino crewneck sweater” from Nordstrom.

The sweater was previously available for $89.50 according to the Nordstrom website, but it is currently on sale for $62.65 with 30 percent off. The sweater comes in six other colors aside from the burgundy one, which is no longer available.

TIMESTAMPS
0:00 Intro
1:49 My Streaming Schedule
3:29 The Walmart Birkin Frenzy
46:44 Luigi Mangione's Sweater Sold Out In Nordstrom

#fashion #walmartbirkin #birkinbag #luigimangione