Luxury fashion brand Balenciaga is once again in the spotlight, this time with an accessory that will turn heads (or should we say, turn heads?). Their latest bracelet is getting the internet buzzing, not because of its elegance or craftsmanship, but because of its uncanny resemblance to the common household item clear packing tape.
Unveiled in the Fall/Winter 2024 collection at Paris Fashion Week, the bracelet features a transparent material wrapped around the core to mimic a roll of tape. The Balenciaga logo added a hint of branding, but failed to quell the ridicule and sometimes outrage on the Internet.
The price tag is estimated to be as high as $4,400, which only adds fuel to the fire. Social media users were left scratching their heads, with some calling it “ridiculous” and others questioning whether Balenciaga was just trolling the fashion industry. The brand has a history of pushing boundaries with unusual designs, such as a $1,790 leather wallet that resembles a garbage bag and a $3,100 Kim Kardashian-inspired tote wrapped in caution tape.
But are the duct tape bracelets just a fun experiment, or a genuine attempt to redefine luxury fashion? The following is the specific content of the online discussion:
Ridicule and doubt: Many online users found the concept hilarious, with some questioning the practicality and value of bracelets that mimic household items.
Luxurious and twisted: Some saw it as a comment on consumerism and the evolving definition of luxury. Balenciaga may be challenging conventional notions of what constitutes a valuable accessory.
Already seen: This isn’t the first time Balenciaga has used everyday objects as inspiration. Their past collections featured grocery bags and shopping bags transformed into high fashion handbags.
Although Balenciaga has not confirmed the official price and availability, the Internet has already made a clear judgment. For better or worse, “duct tape” bracelets are a conversation starter. Whether it’s a fashion statement or a social experiment, one thing’s for sure: Balenciaga knows how to attract attention.