“A literal trash bag”: Balenciaga’s Newest Bag Garners Heavy Criticism Online

How to begin this- that is the question. Truthfully, admitting to a simple loss of words would be a bit of an understatement. Alas, we simply cannot go on without talking about such a topic. Well, here goes nothing. Presenting- Balenciaga’s latest handbag (handbag?). Feast your eyes on this… we’ll call it a ‘creation’.

Image Credit: Balenciaga

Before you say anything, no, we didn’t mistakenly use the wrong picture, and no, we’re not trying to pull anyone’s leg for some Friday afternoon giggles. This is it. THE bag. Balenciaga’s newest release is called the “Trash Pouch.” We’ll give you a few minutes to let that sink in.

To say the least, people were baffled, confused and downright upset at the luxury fashion house for releasing this bag. In fact, the piece has singlehandedly become the centre of unanimous uproar online on social media (via a viral High Snobiety Instagram post) and among fashion lovers everywhere. To add insult to injury (or the figurative cherry on top, if you choose to look at this as nothing more than comedy), Balenciaga’s price tag for their “Trash Pouch” is a cool $1,790. If the design didn’t get people heated, that number certainly did.

Image Credit: @highsnobiety

Now, to be fair, Balenciaga in recent times has been known for their avant-garde fashions. One need not look further than the brand’s current unofficial-official ambassador Kim Kardashian. From her completely covered up Met Gala Look to her caution tape fashion show ensemble, the house under current Creative Director, Demna Gvasalia, is not afraid to push the boundaries of fashion.

Image Credit: Theo Wargo

Image Credit: Harper’s Bazaar, Backgrid

In fact, this isn’t the first time the brand has released RTW pieces that have caused a stir. Back in May, the internet was once again set ablaze when Balenciaga released a pair of very dirty used sneakers. Even those came with a hefty price tag of between $495 to $1,800. This time, however, it seems fashion aficionados have been bent too far.

Image Credit: Balenciaga

Almost immediately, initial reaction to the “Trash Pouch” was it is exactly that- a trash bag. Many pointed out that it looked like something found in their kitchens, in their garbage bins and at their local grocery stores. “I’ve got 40 of those under my sink,” commented one IG user, “whoever buys this needs to be thrown out,” proclaimed another. Some speculated that this is some sort of “social experiment” … and they might not be too far off with that. There may actually be some method to the madness.

Back in March, while discussing the collection with WWD, Gvasalia had this to say when questioned on the bag style: “I couldn’t miss an opportunity to make the most expensive trash bag in the world because who doesn’t love a fashion scandal?”

Read: https://wwd.com/runway/fall-2022/paris/balenciaga/review/

In other words- all publicity is good publicity. If anyone’s proven that to be true, it’s Balenciaga, because one thing’s for sure- love it or hate it, we’re all talking about it.

Image Credit: Chanel

Now here’s a thought to ponder- is Chanel forgiven? Recall earlier in the year when the brand debuted its latest sac bag, dubbed the Chanel 22. At the time, many were quick to comment on the bag’s resemblance (especially in black) to a literal trash bag. However, in comparison to Balenciaga’s version, might we now appreciate more the petite nuances between the two? With Chanel, you get the house’s classic interlaced chain, a vintage-esque medallion charm and CHANEL lettering across the front. With Balenciaga, simplicity is clearly on full display. On the other hand, the Chanel 22 falls within the house’s Under $5k range, while its Balenciaga counterpart hovers around the more modest, shall we say, $1,500 mark.

So, what do you think? What are your thoughts on Balenciaga’s new “Trash Pouch”? Is it a fashion statement or a full on faux-pas? We really want to hear you on this one…

Read Related Articles: