Birkin bag or Walmart dupe? See Kim Kardashian, more stars sporting the real Hermès purse

Designer knockoffs are nothing new.

On any given day, the sidewalks of lower Manhattan are lined with blankets displaying fake brassy Gucci belts and monogrammed Louis Vuitton luggage. At a (much) cheaper price point, buyers can traffic in luxury fare − as long as they do it far away from a discerning eye.

This month, Walmart threw its hat – or bag – in the ring, marketing a $78 purse that looks remarkably similar to the Hermès Birkin bag, long considered the final boss of designer accessories.

A new Birkin can cost anywhere between $10,000 to $100,000 (or more). It's not an "off the rack" purchase either: Hermès doesn't display its bags, so you'd likely need a relationship with a sales associate to get your hands on one.

While some fear its status symbol quality being cut off at the knees, others are heralding the Walmart dupe as an equalizer: giving working people the chance to sport a similar style or, alternatively, proving the design wasn't anything special in the first place.

But long before the internet erupted into an economic and fashion debate over the handbag, it was a celebrity staple, dangling off the arms of reality stars and musicians like JLo, Posh Spice and Cardi B, signaling exclusivity and wealth.

Here's a look through some Birkin-backed celebrity fashion moments.

Jane Birkin

The namesake for the bag, Jane Birkin was a British actress who lived in Paris. Seen carrying a fully-stuffed Birkin, she helped inspire the accessory on a flight when, seated next to an Hermès executive, she sketched her ideal tote. She often accessorized her Birkin with scarves and bag charms, and at times wore it tucked in underneath her arm.

Victoria Beckham

Known for having a Birkin in just about every color, the Spice Girls songstress can be seen here with a bright pink bag to match her monochrome skirt suit.

Jennifer Lopez

JLo's all-white pool party getup is complimented by a Birkin in the same tone.

The triple-threat is known to accessorize heavily, often sporting an oversized handbag, big sunglasses and a big jacket to match.

Martha Stewart

Heading to court in style, Martha Stewart sports a classic brown Birkin flipped here so the hardware isn't visible.

Stewart donned the status symbol to her trial for lying during an insider-trading investigation, at which she was convicted and sentenced to a five-month stint in prison followed by home confinement.

Kim Kardashian

Long before she was creative directing herself, Kim Kardashian had a taste for haute couture, pictured here during her reality TV come-up with a frosty white Birkin to match her winter 'fit.

Khloe Kardashian

Like sister, like sister: Khloe Kardashian shows off a canary yellow Birkin in this photo from the early aughts.

The entire Kardashian-Jenner clan is known for fashion excess, sometimes showcasing living room-sized closets with rows and rows of handbags.

Kris Jenner

The momager herself may have inspired her daughters' taste, sporting a jet-black Birkin here with extra charms.

The bag is one of the larger couture designs, big enough to stuff with a laptop or jacket (though it's used that way less and less).

Lil' Kim

The New York City rapper complemented her court-day look with a slouchy camel Birkin.

This bag is missing the signature lock seen on many of the purses.

Cardi B

The "Bodak Yellow" rapper boasts not just one Birkin but a whole collection.

She drew sharp criticism online in 2020 after posting a video gifting her then-2-year-old daughter Kulture the $8,000 bag.

Kyle Richards

What's a Real Housewife without her designer closet? Kyle Richards, reality royalty, sports a cherry red Birkin to complement a more demure black and denim look.

Law Roach

Save some fashion for the rest of us! Stylist-to-the-stars Law Roach dons a gray Birkin with his white puff-sleeved ensemble.

Kathy Hilton

The first lady of the Hilton empire (and mother to Paris) shows off a classic black Birkin at an event with her husband.

Bridget Everett

Comedian Bridget Everett sports her humorous take on the classic handbag.

Sharon Stone

The "Basic Instinct" actress holds a crocodile-textured black Birkin.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Birkin bag Walmart dupe: See celebs wearing real Hermes purse