Victoria Paris, an influencer with over 1.9 million followers on TikTok, posted a video on April 30 that has since sparked widespread criticism. The now-deleted video, reported by Business Insider, showed Paris aggressively throwing a Gucci Jackie shoulder bag against wooden steps to give it a worn-in look. Paris described this act as "Olsen twin Jane Birkining" the bag, referencing the distressed style made popular by the Olsen twins and Jane Birkin, the muse behind the iconic Hermès Birkin bag.
The video led to speculation that the bag being thrown around was a nearly $5,000 Gucci purse Paris had previously unboxed in an April 1 video, which had garnered over 742,000 views. While it remains unclear whether the designer bag in the video was the same one or if it had been gifted to her, the act itself drew substantial backlash. Many users on TikTok, including @floorkruk, criticized the apparent destruction of such an expensive item, with one reaction video amassing nearly 1,000 comments.
Critics pointed out the disconnect between Paris's act and the financial struggles many people face. Some users expressed frustration over their economic hardships, contrasting their situations with Paris's apparent disregard for the value of the bag. Others questioned why she wouldn't simply use the bag to achieve the aged look naturally.
Despite the backlash, some defended Paris, suggesting that the bag being destroyed might not have been the Gucci purse and asserting her right to do as she pleases with items she owns. Paris cited Jane Birkin’s philosophy of heavily using and personalizing bags as inspiration. Jane Birkin, who co-designed the Hermés Birkin bag, was known for carrying bags that were visibly worn and adorned with personal decorations.
DailyMail.com has reached out to Paris for comment on the controversy.