Balenciaga, the luxury Parisian fashion house adored by celebrities such as Justin Bieber, Kim Kardashian, and Adele, has left shoppers baffled with its latest collection: a paint-splattered range priced at a staggering £2,600. The esteemed brand has introduced several new 'painter's' garments, including a hoodie, trousers, and T-shirt, all adorned with splashes of white, blue, red, and green paint.
Shopper Discontent
Reacting to the unconventional design, one disgruntled shopper remarked: 'Who would pay that sort of money to look like you've just finished a day's work on the brushes? Some people have more money than sense.' The collection aims to achieve a 'worn-out' aesthetic, with each piece meticulously crafted to resemble a painter's workwear.
Itemized Pricing
The men's Painters Shirt Hoodie is priced at £975, while the black Painter's Shirt Babby Sweatpants, featuring paint marks on both the front and back, cost £895. Completing the ensemble is the Hybrid Double T-shirt, described as a 'dry jersey' that gives the illusion of wearing a top under a sweater, though the two are stitched together. Priced at £775, it also displays paint marks along the bottom and sleeves. Combined, the three items total £2,645.
The hoodie's description reads: 'Dry fleece, worn-out details. Hood without drawstring, dropped shoulders, one kangaroo pocket on the front. Gathered at cuffs and waistline, painter's shirt artwork printed.' The T-shirt is described as: 'Hybrid construction, short-sleeve T-shirt layered over long-sleeve T-shirt. Crewneck, painter shirt's artwork printed on the long sleeve.'
Comparison to High Street
In contrast, a similar look without paint marks from Next would cost just £83, with a plain black hoodie at £32, joggers at £26, and a jumper at £25. This price disparity has further fueled criticism of Balenciaga's offering.
Previous Controversies
This is not the first time Balenciaga has faced mockery over its pricing. Last month, the brand was ridiculed for selling a bomber jacket covered in leaves for £16,500. One bemused shopper said: 'I'm sure it's very trendy. But I wouldn't want to walk around looking like a bush.'
In 2022, the Spanish-founded brand sparked outrage by using controversial images of children holding teddy bears in bondage gear in its Christmas campaign. The adverts prompted brand ambassador Kim Kardashian to distance herself from the fashion house. The previous year, Balenciaga's £31,350 knitted hoodie covered in holes also raised eyebrows, with Farfetch describing it as 'pushing the boundaries'.
Brand History
Balenciaga was founded in Spain by Cristóbal Balenciaga, known as 'The King of Fashion' and described by Christian Dior as 'the master of us all'. His designs gained popularity among the Spanish royal family and aristocracy, but the Spanish Civil War forced him to relocate to Paris. In August 1937, he opened his Paris couture house on Avenue George V, unveiling a show influenced by the Spanish Renaissance. Within two years, he was hailed as a revolutionary force, with creations sought after by celebrities like Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, Jackie Kennedy, and Wallis Simpson. Today, the brand boasts over 15 million Instagram followers and continues to sell 'destroyed' items, including ripped jeans, frayed hem shirts, and faded caps.
