Balenciaga's $2990 tote: Exploiting fashion or mocking consumerism?

Has Balenciaga crossed the line again? The luxury brand is known for its shocking designs. On one hand, they are said to be a commentary on the current global situation: social, political, and environmental. On the other hand, there are voices that say Balenciaga is using its position to mock consumerism, prompting people to buy products as absurd as a towel skirt or a bracelet made from a roll of clear tape.

The next project by the brand that might surprise you and raise many questions is shopping bags, aka tote bags. Canvas bags have been a popular and fashionable accessory for a long time—sold in various qualities, at different prices, and with different prints. Sometimes, they are given away for free as advertising for companies or organizations. It can be boldly stated that most people own at least a few such fabric bags.

Balenciaga offers shopping bags in two fashionable designs. The price is really prohibitive.

The men's - clearly marked - bag is available in two different designs. One of them has a print of loaves of bread and grains on one side, and on the other - wild fruits: raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries.

The next proposal is a pattern of green vegetables: broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, leek, pepper, beans, and asparagus on one side and strawberries on the other. On the side, there is the Balenciaga logo on a green stripe. The bags look like shopping bags from grocery discount stores.

The bags are made of calfskin leather, polyester, and polyamide. They feature an adjustable and detachable shoulder strap with a pad, aged silver-colored hardware, and a detachable carabiner. One bag costs $2990, which converts to approximately £2,300 or over 12 thousand złoty. The model is from the Balenciaga Summer 24 collection.