Would YOU waste thousands on a designer gimmick? As Balenciaga releases bizarre $1,800 Lay’s chip clutch, FEMAIL reveals the other wacky (and pricey!) fashion items that have made a mockery of your money
- Balenciaga shocked fans when it debuted its $1,800 Lay’s chips-inspired bags that come in different colors to represent various flavors of the salty snacks
- But the crinkly chip purse isn’t the first outlandish design, as many other designers have tested how far fashionistas are willing to go
- Many luxury designers know exactly how to keep the world at their fingertips, while others seem to be using their fashion designs to flex their funny bones
- In the past, many have been baffled by Moncler’s sleeping bag dress, Golden Goose’s sneakers held together by tape and Balenciaga’s trash pouches
- From Balenciaga Lays chips-inspired clutches to dresses fit for a trash bin, FEMAIL lays bare the far-ranging designs that have raised an eyebrow
Balenciaga turned heads for all the wrong reasons last week when it debuted a bizarre $1,800 handbag shaped exactly like an old bag of Lay’s potato chips – quickly begging the question: Who would pay such a high price for something that looks like a piece of trash?
But while the food-inspired fashion item certainly caused a stir among style lovers, it is by no means the first gimmicky high-end item to have graced the runways or the shelves of luxury brands over the years.
Dozens of designer labels have offered up similarly-baffling designs in the past – seemingly making a mockery of high-end fashion for the sake of raising eyebrows and landing a headline.
Balenciaga has certainly made a habit out of introducing bewildering designs every few months – with its potato chip-inspired clutch just the latest in a long line of style stunts that range from $625 high-heeled Crocs to a $742 ‘plastic bin’ shirt.
However the designer brand is not alone. From Moncler to Moschino, there is no shortage of high-end labels offering up headline-grabbing haute couture designs that not only push the boundaries of fashion – but also stretch the budgets of their buyers.
From Balenciaga;s Lay’s chips-inspired clutches to dresses fit for a trash bin, FEMAIL lays bare the far-ranging designs that have caught the attention of models, fashionistas and average-joes for their quirky designs.
Need a salty snack? Chip into your savings for Balenciaga’s $1,500 Lay’s-inspired bags
Balenciaga boasted several brand new purses that look exactly like Lay’s chips, except much more expensive – around $1,500 to be exact
And just like a Lay’s potato chip bag, the leather clutches also have a shiny, crinkly texture and come in various colors to represent the different chip flavors
The bags were made to look like salt and vinegar, ready salted and chili flavored bags of Lays chips
The luxury fashion house just debuted their new Lay’s-inspired handbag and if you want to get your hands on the potato chips, you may want to chip into your savings before picking up one of these Balenciaga’s purses.
The designer brand boasted several brand new purses that look exactly like the salty salty snack, except much more expensive – around $1,500 to be exact.
And just like a Lay’s potato chip bag, the leather clutches also have a shiny, crinkly texture and come in various colors to represent the different chip flavors.
But instead of the ‘classic’ chips or ‘hint of lime’, the bags are branded with the classic Balenciaga logo instead of the individual chip flavor.
The fashion house’s packaging makes it clear that the brand had a special love for a few fan favorites, including, Salt & Vinegar, Limón, Classic and Flamin’ Hot.
The clutches were made in partnership with Lay’s and according to a press release will cost a whopping $1,500 each.
The luxury Spanish fashion house has a history of unique designs, from purses that look suspiciously similar to the IKEA shopping totes to shirts that resemble trash bags, Balenciaga never fails to baffle fans with their quirky choices.
Demna, the brand’s creative director, showcased the salty collection on his Instagram account, showing off the clutches silver interior and even the nutritional information on the back.
According to a Balenciaga press release obtained by Today Food: ‘Demna loves chips in general, and has carried a bag of Lay’s potato chips as an accessory before,’ according to the Balenciaga press release, which added that he is also interested in ‘transforming everyday objects into elevated material innovations.’
Balenciaga previously teased fans with the chips-inspired bag on the SS23 Balenciaga runway, which was opened by Kanye West.
And until fans can get their hands on the potato chip purses when they officially go on sale next summer, they’ll have to settle for watching models strut down the runway with crumpled Lay’s bags in their hands.
Get ready for your camping trip with Moncler’s $18,000 sleeping bag dress
The humble sleeping bag has taken one a new role on the catwalk as models are strutting their stuff in the dreamy dress designed by Moncler
Moncler’s gown resembles a sleeping bag and with its $18,000 price tag, it’s sure to be the most expensive item on your next camping trip
The humble sleeping bag has taken on a new role on the catwalk as models are strutting their stuff in the dreamy dress designed by Moncler.
Moncler’s gown resembles a sleeping bag and with its $18,000 price tag, it’s sure to be the most expensive item on your next camping trip.
The dress features a seemingly inflated pleated skirt and is described as an ‘off-the-shoulder lacquered down-filled gown’ and ‘avant-garde.’
And despite the luxury fashion house’s dress having been mocked by social media, the full description of the evening wear says it was inspired by ‘dreaminess’.
The website’s description of the gown reads: ‘Moncler’s latest Genius Project collaboration – 1 Moncler Pierpaolo Piccioli – unites the label with Valentino’s creative director who looked to dreaminess, extravagance and soulfulness to inform striking pieces such as this black quilted gown.
‘The nylon outer has the signature lacquered finish and is filled with lightweight feather and down, then shaped with a fitted off-the-shoulder bodice and a full skirt with Lemlem designer Liya Kebede’s exclusive patterned border.
‘Choose it as an avant-garde alternative to classic evening wear.’
The statement frock seems to truly embody a dream as it makes for the perfect sleeping bag if you can’t afford a room after splurging $18,000 on the gown.
Feeling trashy? Strut the streets with the Nu ‘trash bin’ dress for $542
Trendy brand Nu has been promoting trash bags you won’t throw out with balloon sleeves and an inflated price, $542
The luxury brand’s website describes the 100 per cent polyester garment, saying it features ‘asymmetric front pockets-front’ and ‘button closure-balloon form’
Trendy brand Nu has been promoting trash bags you won’t throw out.
Its ‘trash bin’ bag dress boasts balloon sleeves and even comes with its very own inflated price, $542.
The luxury brand’s website describes the 100 per cent polyester garment, saying it features ‘asymmetric front pockets-front’ and ‘button closure-balloon form.’
The brand’s designer seems to be on a mission to make garbage desirable with its shiny dress made to match a trash bag.
The runway shirt dress features a button closure with a shiny, black Jacquard print, making it the most elegant trash bin bag you’ll ever see.
The puffy dress left shoppers shocked by its near-comical and ‘trashy’ design from the clothing giant which has locations in Chelsea and Marylebone, London.
Many fans and social media users have branded the dress as the perfect homemade Halloween costume, many even saying they used ‘to go trick or treating’ in something just like the designer dress.
Despite the trash talk from social media users, it doesn’t seem like the shiny dress is leaving anytime soon as fashionistas continue to sport it while on the runway.
Shop in style with Balenciaga’s look-alike IKEA tote that sells for a whopping $2,145
French luxury brand Balenciaga shocked fans once again when they released an IKEA-look-alike purse for $2,145 that left even fashion’s utmost It-girls raising an eyebrow
The tote is nearly identical to IKEA’s iconic ‘Frakta’ tote, known for it’s bright blue color, it’s durability, and its absolutely massive size
French luxury brand Balenciaga shocked fans once again when they released an IKEA-look-alike purse that left even fashion’s utmost It-girls raising an eyebrow.
The tote is nearly identical to IKEA’s iconic ‘Frakta’ tote, known for it’s bright blue color, it’s durability, and its absolutely massive size.
Although Balenciaga seemed to find inspiration for their accessory in the strangest place, it made sure to separate its tote with IKEA’s with a few key differences.
There are only a few differences between the IKEA shopping tote and the couture purse – the material, the lack of the IKEA logo and of course, the price.
According to the Barney’s website, Balenciaga’s purse is made from ‘wrinkled, glazed leather’, while the IKEA ‘Frakta’ bag is made from 100 per cent polypropylene, which is a recyclable material.
And while the furniture store’s tote offers shoppers an affordable experience – at just .99 cents – the Balenciaga’s bag is an eye-watering $2,145.
But instead of taking offense to the suspiciously similar design, the furniture store admitted to Today that they were ‘flattered’ the couture brand was noticing their simple, yet chic design.
IKEA said: ‘We are deeply flattered that the Balenciaga tote bag resembles the Ikea iconic sustainable blue bag […] Nothing beats the versatility of a great big blue bag.’
Take distressed to a new level with Golden Goose’s ‘hold-it-all together tape’ sneakers for $530
Italian shoe brand Golden Goose is known for its signature ‘distressed’ look, but its $530 shoes have brought a new meaning to the word all together
The luxury shoe brand was put on blast when it unveiled its cream ‘crumply, hold-it-all-together tape’ sneakers
Italian shoe brand Golden Goose is known for its signature ‘distressed’ look, but its $530 shoes have brought a new meaning to the word all together.
The luxury shoe brand was put on blast when it unveiled its ‘crumply, hold-it-all-together tape’ sneakers.
The shoes seem to be only kept from falling apart thanks to perfectly-placed and expertly distressed tape – for over $500.
The cream sneakers feature mock tape around the shoe’s toes and seem to be glorifying poverty – while still turning a hefty profit – by glamorizing something many people have to do, not by choice, but by necessity.
On Nordstrom’s website, the shoe’s description made mention of ‘crumply, hold-it-together tape’ that ‘details a distressed leather sneaker in a retro low profile with a signature sidewall star and a grungy rubber cup sole’.
And while some scuffing or dirt can come with satisfaction when breaking in a pair of shoes because it reminds you of many adventures, Golden Goose took it to the next level.
The kicks are extremely and intentionally distressed and command a whopping price tag.
Although Golden Goose sparked fury from the web with its design, it doesn’t seem to have let it stop them from releasing more shoes with character or even changing their signature look, so for now fashionistas will have to rock the distressed look.
The most expensive chair you’ll ever see! Area’s $895 ‘purse’ is a tiny folding chair on a chain… and can’t even hold anything inside
New York fashion brand Area left the fashion industry baffled after it released a chair bag for an eye-watering $895
The 5.75′ folding chair figurine is covered in pavé crystal embellishments, with no actual ‘bag’ to hold anything in
Although designers have sent some unusual items down the runway, they’re usually accessories or clothing that you can use, but this time, designers have presented something you can’t even use.
New York fashion brand Area left the fashion industry baffled after it released a chair bag for an eye-watering $895.
Officially called the ‘crystal chair bag’ by the luxury brand, the only thing the accessory has in common with a purse is that it includes a chain-link shoulder strap, allowing fashion fans to sport it over a shoulder or cross-body.
The 5.75′ folding chair figurine is covered in pavé crystal embellishments, with no actual ‘bag’ to hold anything in.
The bag was previously sold at Nordstrom, but has since been sold out and the description read: ‘Shown on the runway at New York Fashion Week, this bedazzled objet d’art doesn’t actually carry anything, except for a conversation.’
According to Area’s website, the chair measures 5.75′ by 3.5′ and comes with a detachable chain.
The brand seems to got its inspiration for the ‘bag’ from right under the models’ noses because its a smaller version of the real-life crystal-studded chairs Area had around its runway during New York Fashion Week in February 2020.
And those who are looking to sport a crystal chair bag can even purchase the brand’s small, crystal chair earrings for just a whopping $380.
Making trash treasure! Strut your stuff with Balenciaga’s $1,790 trash pouch
Balenciaga’s ‘trash pouch’ is inspired by a ‘trash bag’ and unlike the ones found in your home, this one comes with a jaw-dropping price tag – $1,790
The piece first debuted as part of the opening look from Balenciaga’s Fall 22 show during Paris Fashion Week in March
The luxury Spanish fashion house has once again shocked fans with its quirky designs – this time one that’s been getting a lot of trash talk.
Balenciaga’s ‘trash pouch’ is inspired by a ‘trash bag’ and unlike the ones found in your home, this one comes with a jaw-dropping price tag – $1,790.
The couture brand’s shiny drawstring bag – made out of calfskin leather – comes in four different colors including black, white, blue and yellow.
The trashy bag made its way to store shelves after debuting in the Fall 2022 ready-to-wear collection last March.
On the Balenciaga website the label admitted: ‘The Trash Pouch is inspired by a garbage bag.’
When asked about the product that shocked both the fashion world and those outside of it, Demna told WWD: ‘I couldn’t miss an opportunity to make the most expensive trash bag in the world, because who doesn’t love a fashion scandal?’
The pouch proves that one man’s trash can even get turned into a luxury designer accessory – transforming it from garbage to treasure with just the slap of a logo.
And while social media users were outraged by the bag, it didn’t stop them from getting their hands on it as the pouch sold out within minutes on the website.
Luckily for Balenciaga, the fury was exactly what they strived for and it proved to be a great marketing strategy when the pouch became a hot commodity in the fashion world.
Two for one! Wear two pairs of shorts at once with R13’s $565 ‘double back’ shorts
Fashion brand R13 released a pair of denim shorts for a whopping $565 that come with a little something extra – extra fabric that is
The ‘double back shorts’ look unassuming from the front, but when you turn around a second pair of shorts are revealed right below the waistband
If you can’t decide which pair of shorts you wear, this brand has you covered because it makes it possible for you to wear two pairs at one time.
Fashion brand R13 released a pair of denim shorts that come with a little something extra – extra fabric that is.
The ‘double back shorts’ look unassuming from the front, but when you turn around a second pair of shorts are revealed right below the waistband.
And the extra fabric is surely reflected in the price as the shorts will cost you a whopping $565.
Chris Leba created the luxury brand R13 in 2009 after leaving his position of Vice President of Ralph Lauren and while the two pairs of shorts sewn together may seem strange, it fits right in with the rest of its line.
Most of the items in the luxury brand’s denim collection feature unique rips, excess fabric and fringed bottoms.
And while the bizarre shorts seemed to have caused a stir within the fashion world, it didn’t seem to stop fashionista’s from getting their hands on the newest trend.
Within minutes the brand sold out in sizes 24, 28 and 29, resulting in many questioning whether the double back shorts are really a fashion faux pas or the hottest new designer clothing item.
Forget recycling, this bag is a keeper! Add a touch of luxury to your lunch with Jil Sander’s $290 brown paper bag
Fashion designer Jil Sander gave the classic paper bag a makeover with a high price tag, giving your lunch a touch of luxury
The German fashion house put a spin on the traditional paper sack , calling it ‘Vasari’ and slapping a whopping $290 price tag on it
Fashion designer Jil Sander gave the classic paper bag a makeover with a high price tag, giving your lunch a touch of luxury.
The German fashion house put a spin on the traditional paper sack, calling it ‘Vasari’ and slapping a whopping $290 price tag on it.
The luxury brand first debuted the pouch in its 2012 fall-winter runway alongside models who clutched the rolled-up bags.
The Rolls Royce of paper bags comes in a charming brown, matte and vinyl black.
It’s made from highly durable coated paper with stitched seams, metal eyelets and a bold designer logo.
You can forget recycling with this bag because it’s surely a keeper with the high price tag.
And if you want to impress the entire cafeteria, you can opt for the brand’s ultra-luxurious leather version which retails for a whopping $630.
Feeling hungry? Satisfy your cravings with Moschino’s $1,240 baguette bag
Moschino introduced a faux leather clutch in the shape of a baguette into the brand’s new collection for a whopping $1,240
If the luxury fashion house’s baguette bag doesn’t leave you drooling, don’t worry, it has a sister product – a croissant shoulder bag
The Italian fashion house Moschino is known for it quirky designs, but this one might just leave you hungry.
Moschino has released plenty of edible-inspired accessories, including a pizza box and a slice of cake, and it didn’t stop there as the brand released a bakery collection in 2020 with its very own baguette bag.
When designer Jeremy Scott heard baguette purses were trending, he took it literally and decided he’d introduce a faux leather clutch in the shape of a baguette into the brand’s new collection.
Moschino’s description of the baguette bag read: ‘Maxi clutch in high-frequency printed baguette-shaped faux leather and gold plated plate Moschino Made In Heaven.’
The baguette purse looks like it was just pulled out of the oven and the only thing that’ll stop you from taking a bite is the bold designer logo and the whopping $1,240 price tag of course.
It also features a magnetic seal and brown lined interior, making everything you put inside your buttery clutch sandwich filling.
But if the luxury fashion house’s baguette bag doesn’t leave you drooling, don’t worry, it has a sister product – a croissant shoulder bag.
The croissant purse is only available in ‘beige’ and comes with a shoulder chain so it doesn’t look like you’re just strutting down the streets while carrying around pastries.
Comfort meets luxury! Keep it casual and chic with Balenciaga Crocs for $625
The luxury Spanish fashion house once again debuted a meme-worthy fashion item when they teamed up with comfy shoe brand Crocs to create the ultimate rubber stiletto for $625
The ‘Balenciaga Croc Madame’ were released online in June and left social media scratching their heads
In the past, Balenciaga revealed the ‘Balenciaga Crocs Pool’, which have a 5mm elevated sole arch
The luxury Spanish fashion house once again debuted a meme-worthy fashion item when they teamed up with comfy shoe brand Crocs to create the ultimate rubber stiletto.
The ‘Balenciaga Croc Madame,’ were released online in June for a whopping $625 and left social media scratching their heads.
The shoes are available in white, green and black and look like traditional rubber Crocs on top, featuring the brand’s signature holes, strap and shape.
But underneath, the shoes unusually boast a 3.15 black stiletto heel with a flat bottom.
The quirky heels sold online at various major retailers such as Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, Bloomingdale’s, My Theresa, Farfetch, Net-a-Porter, Matches, and the Balenciaga website.
And while many were shocked, it didn’t stop them for purchasing the luxury crocs as many sizes sold out within minutes of them hitting the sites.
This isn’t the first time the luxury fashion house has teamed up with the rubber shoe brand.
In the past, Balenciaga revealed the ‘Balenciaga Crocs Pool’, which have a 5mm elevated sole arch.
Despite social media users mocking both brands for their collaboration, the Balenciaga Crocs made for a dip in the pool, also instantly sold out and fans rushed to the designers Instagram to beg for more.
Damaged is in! Balenciaga releases destroyed shoes for a jaw-dropping $513
Balenciaga took a page out of Golden Goose’s handbook and released a pair of damaged-looking shoes for a jaw-dropping $513
The ‘Paris High’ sneakers from the luxury Spanish clothing giant resemble Converse sneakers, but are missing heel support
Balenciaga took a page out of Golden Goose’s handbook and released a pair of damaged-looking shoes for a jaw-dropping $513.
The ‘Paris High’ sneakers from the luxury Spanish clothing giant resemble Converse sneakers, but are missing heel support.
The quirky sneakers are available in black and off-white and most sizes of the ‘distressed rubber and canvas’ kicks instantly sold out.
According to luxury clothing seller Net-a-Porter, the heel-less design ‘creates the illusion that the back has been cut off’.
The brand’s logo is boldly stamped on the rubber soles on the toes.
The shoes take destroyed to the next level with their heel-less design and even featured a fringed end.
This isn’t the first time the luxury clothing giant has brought the damaged-look back in as they previously released high-top sneakers that looked like a dog ate them.
Is plastic the new cashmere? Balenciaga’s $742 ‘plastic-bin shirt’ leaves fans baffled
The luxury clothing giant promoted a 100 per cent polyethylene top, which is the same material used to make trash bags, for a whopping $742
Balenciaga calls the top the ‘Plastic-Bin shirt’ and it features the brand’s logo on both the front and back of the shirt in bold gold letters
The luxury clothing giant promoted a 100 per cent polyethylene top, which is the same material used to make trash bags, for a whopping $742.
Balenciaga calls the top the ‘Plastic-Bin shirt’ and it features the brand’s logo on both the front and back of the shirt in bold gold letters.
The neon green top is a far cry from high-quality fabrics like cashmere and silk, as the material the Spanish fashion house used is also used when making plastic bags and bottles.
The top made its debut on the 2018 spring and summer runway in Paris and was available to the public shortly after.
The brand proved you can dress the ‘trash’ bag up and paired it with a hounds tooth pencil skirt and gold earrings.
Although many found the design to be outlandish, it didn’t stop the top from instantly selling out.
This isn’t the first time the fashion house has proved latex and plastic is all the rage either as they have also released trash pouches.
Other brands such as Nu have followed in their footsteps and made trash treasure so it looks the garbage trend is here to stay.
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