Balenciaga [1]'s autumn 2022 collection has made headlines in more ways than one. Take the Balenciaga caution-tape catsuit, for instance. Kim Kardashian [2] sat front row at the show in the look [3], which she could barely walk in. Later, she had to be cut out of the catsuit altogether. Lizzo [4] then tried to dance [5] on the set of an Elle UK cover shoot in the same outfit but could only do the robot due to the restriction of movement. Now, the Balenciaga trash-bag pouch has people just as confused.
Back in March, Kardashian posted a gift from creative director Demna Gvasalia on her Instagram Stories: a black satchel that looked like a rubbish bag, which Kardashian dubbed "a trash-bag bag." Now the design is officially available to shop — with a price tag as "hefty" as the brand that popularised the original plastic trash bag . . . you know, the one used for rubbish.
After that autumn 2022 in March, Gvasalia told WWD [6]: "I couldn't miss an opportunity to make the most expensive trash bag in the world, because who doesn't love a fashion scandal?"
Though the bag is not currently available to shop online, High Snobiety shared a pic [7] from the store on Instagram, writing, "This Balenciaga trash bag costs $1790." The publication also revealed that the expensive "trash-bag bag" comes in three colours: black with black ties, blue with black ties, and white with red ties, each made of calfskin leather. "Balenciaga is a meme designer," one commenter wrote. "I got 40 of those under my sink," another commented.
A controversial design isn't exactly out of the ordinary for the design house under Gvasalia's reign. It has, after all, not only produced the aforementioned caution-tape-covered catsuits but also created totally distressed high-top sneakers [8], branded leather shopping bags, platform Croc-style shoes, and more.
The "Trash Pouch" from Balenciaga is clearly just another attempt by the brand to create a viral moment. And as head-scratching as it might be, it's clearly working.
Balenciaga's Trash-Bag Pouch
Balenciaga's Trash-Bag Pouch
Balenciaga's Trash-Bag Pouch
Balenciaga's Trash-Bag Pouch
Balenciaga's Trash-Bag Pouch
Balenciaga's Trash-Bag Pouch
