Same same, but different: Why K-fashion loves this jelly bag


By AGENCY
Kya from the K-pop girl group KiiKii holding a Firkin bag Photo: KiiKii

This year's favourite "Birkin" is made of plastic instead of hand-stitched leather, but it's just ₩30,000.

The jelly bag looks exactly like a Birkin from Hermes – but those start at around ₩15mil, and that's only if you can get your hands on one.

Kya from KiiKii recently sported the jelly Birkin, called a Firkin, short for "fake Birkin", in the concept photos of her group's second EP, Delulu Pack, proving that the jelly bag is one of the must-have items for this summer.

Read more: K-fashion meets football? G-Dragon reworks South Korea kits into streetwear

The Firkin dates back to the early 2000s and is purposely designed to look like a Birkin.

Unlike many other transparent PVC summer bags, the Firkin comes in vivid half-translucent colours that faintly show what's inside the bag.

Firkin bags, which can easily be purchased through shopping outlets such as Coupang, Temu or Zigzag, are trending on social media on the back of the Y2K fashion trend.

Those priced at around ₩30,000 to ₩40,000 are classified as B-grade Firkins, which means consumers can get them in about a day or two, but the bags might have some stains or might be missing the keys to the iconic Birkin lock.

Read more: Are women’s handbags obsolete? Fashion has arrived at something of a pivot point

Those priced at around ₩100,000 are better quality, often featuring detailed stitching resembling that of a Birkin.

Firkins have taken on a meme quality among shoppers, framed less as a substitute for an unaffordable luxury bag than as a knowing fashion choice.

Coming in vivid colours, it can easily be styled in summer with a simple T-shirt and denim look.

It's also essentially waterproof, making it the perfect beach, poolside and festival bag. – The Korea Herald

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
fashion , trends , accessories , bags , K-fashion

Next In Style

Fashion weeks put versatile dressing, soft colours and bold volume in focus
What the recent Milan Fashion Week street style says about dressing imperfectly
Skincare is self-care: When beauty becomes a ritual for rest and wellbeing
Afghan ikat patchwork takes centre stage at Paris Fashion Week runway show
Nigeria Fashion Week swaps Lagos for Abuja, bringing bold couture to the capital
Fashion is in a ‘precarious moment’, designer warns at Paris Fashion Week
KL plays host to the 12th edition of Art of Time and some very special R�citals
Parmigiani Fleurier unveils the Carillon Tourbillon for its 30th anniversary
Franck Muller showcases myriad complications and artistic partnerships
Parmigiani Fleurier introduces three Tonda PF World Premiere watches

Others Also Read