Balenciaga sells ruined sneakers for $1,850

written by Hannah Ryan, CNN

luxury fashion house Balenciaga A new campaign touting an impressively priced range of rugged sneakers has been unveiled, and the internet has ideas.

Pictures, taken by photographer Leopold Duchmin for the brand, of the heavily ripped shoes after the high-end brand’s new sneakers were launched in Paris on Monday, with outrage over the appearance of the high-tops swirling the internet.

But pictures of destroyed sneakers traded on Social media doesn’t tell the whole story. Although they sparked the most controversy, the images are actually of limited-edition and exaggerated versions of the sneakers that Balenciaga represents. Sell.

According to the fashion house, only 100 pairs of “extremely disruptive” sneakers will be available for $1,850. Meanwhile, the Unlimited Edition and the coarser versions are selling on Balenciaga’s website for $495 and $625, depending on the style selected.

Balenciaga’s “highly worn” sneakers are raising eyebrows on the Internet. credit: Courtesy of Balenciaga

In a press release, the Paris-based brand said campaign images show the shoes being “extremely worn, numbered and soiled.”

She said the still-life photos “suggest that the Paris Sneaker is meant to be worn for life” – a point that seems especially relevant amid growing conversations about fast fashion industry And the impact of overconsumption on the planet.

An example of the rugged-less version of the sneaker, available to pre-order for $625 on the Balenciaga website. credit: Courtesy of Balenciaga

Demna is known for his disruptive flair and launching sneakers in Paris isn’t the first time his designs have met with bewildered reactions.

In 2017, Balenciaga directed a file The bag costs $2,145 which was ridiculed for its resemblance to the “Frakta” bag from IKEA. At the time, an original Ikea bag could be purchased for 99 cents.

Balenciaga describes the sneaker as a “classic re-fitted design,” which is finished with “a tattered canvas and jagged edges, impacting a previously worn look.”

Online reactions to the Paris sneaker have been mixed.

SoleSavy, a website that describes itself as a community of “real sneaker lovers,” Requested If the “vintage sneaker trend” has gone too far.

Tora Nortman, News Editor for Publishing high fame He said the brand “took it to the next level,” adding that Balenciaga “always creates controversial items that spark conversation.”

But not everyone thinks sneakers are worthy of ridicule.

GQ France Chief Editorial Content Pam Boy He said in a comment on Instagram The product’s message is clear: “Buy and keep forever. Demna (Balenciaga’s creative director) will make people who can afford luxury items buy ‘old looking’ sneakers for €1,450. It totally captures the essence of luxury underneath.”

The jury seems unsure whether this latest marketing move is worthy of praise or derision. Either way, Demna and Balenciaga got people talking again, no doubt drawing many to a brand that seems increasingly comfortable with controversy.

Top photo: Campaign images of the Parisian Balenciaga sneaker.