M&S shoppers think they’ve found a great £39.50 alternative to Hermès’ £20k Birkin bag

There are few designer bags quite as coveted as the Hermès Birkin, which has proven to be the ultimate luxury handbag thanks to its £20k+ price tag and years-long waiting list.

The Birkin may be one of the most identifiable designer bags on the market, but it’s almost impossible to get your hands on. You can’t simply walk into a store and buy one – you have to purchase other goods from Hermès first, befriend sales staff, and sign up to the infamous waiting list – which can be several years long.

Add to that the fact that some retail for hundreds of thousands of pounds, with second hand ones still costing a vast amount, like this tan Hermès 35 Birkin, £19,974 here, and you’ve got the kind of bag that only the elite will ever get their hands on.

However, savvy shoppers think they’ve found the perfect alternative that we mere mortals can actually afford, and it comes from high street-favourite Marks and Spencer.

The Faux Leather Top Handle Tote Bag, £39.50 here, has a very similar look to the coveted Birkin, and thankfully comes without the £20k price tag.

Whilst it may not come in the luxury brand’s signature orange box, the M&S version still features a similar square shape and has corresponding gold hardware details at the fastening.

Marks and Spencer’s version also comes with an adjustable shoulder strap, which can be tucked inside the bag or unclipped, leaving just the top handle so you can switch between shoulder bag and handbag whenever you fancy it.

Inside there are two internal compartments as well as a slip pocket that help keep your possessions organised, whilst the middle zip section keeps your things safe and sound, especially when secured with the flap fastening.

Shoppers who’ve already snapped up the bag were also pleased with how deceptively roomy the bag is, with one writing: “Classic more formal handbag with timeless style. I wanted something simple. This bag was perfect, roomy with internal pockets and optional removable shoulder strap.”

Another agreed, saying: “Delighted with this bag, very classy, not a big bag but for me ideal for when I am out with family for food cinema etc, not an everyday bag and limits what it holds, but I got phone, purse glasses, tissues etc in. Prefer as a handheld. Would like to see a neutral or navy one, and would love a red one.”

Although the bag is currently only available in a tan colour, there’s always the possibility of M&S releasing other colours, as it has done with several of its other popular items.

Thanks to its timeless design and tan colour, though, the Faux Leather Top Handle Tote Bag, £39.50 here, will go with just about anything, making it a wardrobe must-have.

If you’re looking to splash out on something a little more luxurious, but still don’t want to break the bank, Carvela’s Henley Lock Tote, £269 here, is made from real leather with gold hardware similar to the iconic Birkin, putting it firmly up there with one our favourite dupes.

Story Saved

You can find this story in  My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.