The internet may cry “social experiment” to the tune of each unconventional Balenciaga release, but the modern-day iteration of the luxury label has now made eccentricity its own. With creative director Denma at the helm, Balenciaga sees itself as the subject of controversy, with creations that spark discussion–is this the state of fashion?
Whatever side you may find yourself in, it’s not a point of contention that Balenciaga has caught the attention of both enthusiasts and casuals alike. From leather-made trash bags to skirts that look like towels, ahead, take a look at Balenciaga’s releases that have met the bewilderment–and interest–of many.
A Brief History of Balenciaga
The famed Balenciaga label finds its roots in Spain, when, in the 1910s, couturier Cristóbal Balenciaga opened his first boutique in the city of San Sebastián. The French press dubbed him the “King of Fashion,” comparing him to his contemporaries like Christian Dior and Coco Chanel, especially with revolutionary ideals that favored broad shoulders and an undefined waistline.
Decades on, the Balenciaga legacy is lived through its many creative directors such as Nicolas Ghesquière, Alexander Wang, and now, Demna Gvasalia. With new minds at the helm, the label has entered a more youthful and unconventional era, featuring streetwear creations that have ignited thought and virality.
Click here to learn more about the history of Balenciaga.
The Weirdest Products Balenciaga Has Released
1. Tape Bracelet
Debuting as part of Balenciaga’s Fall/Winter 2024 collection, the chunky bracelet is reminiscent of a transparent adhesive tape, akin to a run-of-the-mill Scotch tape. The piece, however, maintains the label’s branding with the name “Balenciaga” plastered in its base. It’s one among many creations in Denma’s offerings that season, which featured large proportions, upcycled pieces, and clear tape wrapped around shirts and tailored jackets.
Tape Bracelet, BALENCIAGA
2. Towel Skirt
The label once again was the stuff of viral talk when it released the Towel Skirt for its Spring 2024 collection. Reaching literal levels of a fresh “off-the-shower” look, the unisex creation is crafted from 100-percent terry cotton cloth. Unlike the usual off-the-racket towels, Balenciaga’s take includes two buttons and an adjustable belt for extra protection against wardrobe malfunctions.
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Towel Skirt in Beige, $925 (approx. P52,000), BALENCIAGA, balenciaga.com
3. Trash Bag
Who knew daily errands could be high fashion? Balenciaga certainly kept up its reputation for questionable releases with the much-buzzed-about Trash Bag from Fall/Winter 2022, a capacious drawstring tote that looks just like it was pulled out of a cupboard. But looks can be deceiving, as the large pouch isn’t quite supermarket-appropriate–it’s rendered in glossy calfskin leather, attached with a whopping P104,000 price tag.
Trash Bag Large Pouch in White, $1850 (approx. P104,000), BALENCIAGA, balenciaga.com
4. Crocs Heel
Crocs enthusiasts can attest to the comfort of the slip-ons, but wearing them for more formal occasions may raise some eyebrows. While it will probably elicit some of that same confusion, the Crocs heel will, at the very least, offer a height boost. The Spring/Summer 2022 collaboration between the luxury label and the American footwear brand features the same silhouette of the rubber shoe, now with an added stiletto heel.
Balenciaga x Crocs Pumps, $525 (approx. P29,700), BALENCIAGA, farfetch.com*
5. Shopping Bag
Shopping bags often cost a few cents or are free of charge, but among the Balenciaga catalog is something more long-lasting–the leather-made Shopping Bag. Like the bag that shoppers receive post-purchase, the piece is splayed with the “Balenciaga” font on a plain black or white background. The difference is that its body and strings are made from calfskin, and it costs upwards of P50,000. It’s even available as a phone holder–just be prepared to shell out at least P62,200.
Mini Shopping Bag in White, $1100 (approx. P62,200), BALENCIAGA, balenciaga.com
6. Coffee Cup
Coffee runs are made even more stylish (and expensive) with the Balenciaga coffee cup. This lid-included caffeine receptacle is available in white or black porcelain, which can easily contain 30 centiliters of liquid. And like everyone’s usual cafés, it’s available with a selection of cities under the “Balenciaga” name for that souvenir flair.
Coffee Cup in White (New York), $125 (approx. P7000), BALENCIAGA, balenciaga.com
7. Paris Sneakers
The distressed look has been a favorite for edgy dressers, but trust the luxury house to take it up a notch. Similar to the silhouette of a Converse Chuck Taylor shoe, Balenciaga’s version of the high-top sneakers is as “ruined” as it gets, with scuff marks and holes throughout its form. The more dirtied sneakers had a limited run in 2022, as only 100 of these beat-up shoes were available in existence.
Paris Sneakers (limited edition), $1850 (approx. P104,000), BALENCIAGA
8. Layered Jacket
Feeling chilly? Bundle up for colder climates with Balenciaga’s layered coat, boasting a seven-layer medley of plaid shirts, jersey hoodies, and technical fleeces. Debuting in the Fall 2018 collection, the mega coat came with various iterations of patterns, including leopard prints and color-block options. Many likened it to the sartorial choices of Joey Tribbani of the ’90s sitcom Friends, and it’s a no-brainer that he would probably poke fun at this one, too.
Oversized Layered Coat, $9000 (approx. P500,000), BALENCIAGA
9. Jeans and Sweatpants Hybrid
Nothing screams casual than jeans and sweatpants–so why not wear both? The luxury label gave the best of both worlds with the denim and sweatpants monster hybrid, with red-striped sweatpants peeking through the ripped openings of old blue jeans. You can expect nothing less from the brand, after all.
Distressed Wide-Leg Jeans, $1850 (approx. P104,000), BALENCIAGA
10. Chips Bag
Snack time, but make it fashion. Balenciaga has taken a junk food favorite and turned it into the quirkiest pouch with the Chips Bag. The glossy calfskin zipped pouch comes in a variety of “flavors,” too–just expect some disappointment when the contents aren’t actually chips.
Chips Bag in Red, $1750 (approx. P99,000), BALENCIAGA, balenciaga.com
*Note: Some of the prices mentioned in this article have been sourced from authorized resellers and not directly from the brand's official website. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, it is important to note that prices may vary depending on the reseller and the region. We encourage readers to visit the official brand website or consult authorized resellers for the most up-to-date pricing information.
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