May be the best thing Walmart has ever done

Of course, I'd love to have a Birkin bag.

Of course, I wouldn't pay $28K for it (on top of the $100K or so I'd have to spend at Hermès for lurid-colored scarves with gold stirrups on them in order to be allowed to purchase a Birkin bag).

But a Walmart knockoff for short money? Now you're talking.

If only you could get your hands on one of them. And you probably can't, because they instantly sold out.

In case you're not familiar with the Birkin, it's a luxury, iconic handbag/tote originally designed by Hermès in the 1980's for British-French actress-singer Jane Birkin.

Walmart's version, the KAMUGO, is, like the real Birkin, made of leather, but is not available in options like crocodile or ostrich. (Birkin does have a canvas with leather bag.) And the KAMUGO only comes in a few colors. (The colors are Birkin-esque, however.) But the major difference is hand-craftedness and price. Birkins range from $10K-ish to over $400K. The Walmart version was priced from $78 to $102. That's dollars, not K's.

The bag, also being called the "Wirkin," is described as a "large-capacity lychee pattern Kelly platinum bag," and has a "classic temperament, noble European and American style," according to the manufacturer's description. It is made with genuine leather, with the first layer made with cowhide. Akin to the real Birkin, the Wirkin, also features a gold lock button, which the manufacturer says is to "increase the security of bag anti-theft."

The bag... is being seen as a budget-friendly alternative to the Hermès Birkin. However, the manufacturers of the bag have not marketed it or referred to it as a Birkin dupe.(Source: USA Today) 

Why would marketing need to refer to it as "a Birkin dupe?" Isn't that what the Internet is for? (Birkin bag warriors, assemble!)

Of course, the Wirkins aren't artisanally created. They don't have fancy hardware. Or secret numbers stamped on the inside leather. 

But who cares, if it looks enough like the real deal?

Will I try to acquire one? Not likely, even at the supposed low, low price of $40 - a price that's reputedly out there and somewhat available. But I love, love, love the idea of women swanning around with Wirkins slung over their shoulders - and no one getting close enough to see if it's a Birkin or not. This just may be the bet thing that Walmart has ever done!