Fashion Gone Crazy – When you and I hear the term “luxury brand,” images of glitz, glamour, silk, and velvet fabrics immediately spring to mind. But let me tell you, some of the world’s major international brands have completely redefined the very concept of “fashion.” They are selling such bizarre products that, upon seeing them, you’ll find yourself saying—”Honestly, I’m better off being poor!”
The French brand Balenciaga, in particular, has proven to be a true daredevil in this regard. Let’s take a look at some of their products—items whose price tags will leave you utterly flabbergasted, and whose designs will leave you clutching your head in disbelief.
1. A ‘Trash Bag’ for ₹1.65 Lakhs
Yes, you read that absolutely right. The very same black bag we use to haul our household garbage out to the curb was marketed by Balenciaga as their “Trash Pouch.” Featured in their Winter 2022 collection, this bag retailed for approximately $1,790.
Indian Price: Approximately ₹1,65,473.
2. A ‘Towel Skirt’ for ₹85,000
The towel we wrap around our waist after a shower was christened a “Unisex Skirt” by Balenciaga. They even had male models wear it while walking the runway.
Price: $925—or roughly ₹85,000.
Fun Fact: Immediately after its launch, brands like IKEA took to social media to hilariously troll this luxury brand by showcasing their own affordable towels.
3. ‘Tattered and Worn-Out’ Shoes (Paris Sneakers)
What do you do when your shoes get torn? Do you throw them away, or do you get them repaired? Well, wealthy people are actually shelling out lakhs of rupees for shoes that look torn, dirty, and heavily worn out. Balenciaga’s “Paris Sneakers” collection featured shoes that appear—at first glance—to be years old and look as though they were scavenged straight out of the trash.
4. The Chips Packet Bag
We usually toss the wrapper after eating Lay’s chips, but Balenciaga has created a ‘clutch bag’ designed to look exactly like one of those chips packets. It features a zipper closure at the top and looks completely identical to an actual bag of chips.
Price: Approximately ₹161,745.
5. High-Heeled Crocs
Crocs are renowned for their comfort, but Balenciaga decided to slap a tall heel onto them. On social media, people went so far as to label them the “ugliest shoes in the world.”
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Is this really fashion?
These brands often release such items under the guise of “anti-fashion” or “social commentary” simply to keep the world talking and generate buzz. Balenciaga’s strategy is to create something so bizarre that people end up making it go viral all on their own.
Pro Tip: The next time your mom scolds you for wearing ripped jeans or old shoes, just tell her it’s “international fashion”!
