THE Balenciaga fashion house is back with another hard-hitting creation, this time in the form of a pair of busted up, worn out and torn sneakers accompanied by a hefty price tag.
Designed as a tribute to mid-20th century athletic models, these sneakers have been dividing opinion on social networks, with users either praising or mocking the dilapidated appearance of these expensive creations.
It took less than 24 hours for the house of Balenciaga, helmed by Demna Gvasalia, to get everyone talking about its latest pair of sneakers.
A few months after presenting a pair of hybrid pants, combining jeans and cargo shorts, then a parka worthy of a highway maintenance crew, the world's most popular luxury brand lifted the lid on a pair of totally dilapidated sneakers -- worn, torn and complete with holes.
And that seems a shame considering that they're being sold from between €395 and €1,450 (and that's for the most destroyed models, naturally).
With these new sneakers, the luxury brand wanted to reinterpret the athletics shoes of the mid-20th century. But, it should be noted that the models that have gone viral have been deliberately busted up for the purposes of the brand's campaign, Balenciaga wanting to show that the shoes are apparently designed to be worn for a lifetime...
And so, sustainability therefore actually seems to be at the core of this new creative feat. Indeed, a closer look at the models featured on the brand's official website reveals that the sneakers appear much less worn than those featured in the pictures on social media.
However, the models finished in ripped cotton -- a limited edition nonetheless -- are well and truly priced at €1,450.
In addition to these 'full destroyed' versions, the Paris sneakers come in high-top or mule styles, and in several colors, including black, red and white.
Their ripped look, even when it remains very subtle, is reminiscent of hand-cut or customized jeans -- a trend straight out of the '90s, one of the most popular decades among Gen Z and Millennials right now.
So, why not do the same with our shoes? Either way, love them or loathe them, these sneakers are (once again) almost certainly destined to be snapped up like hotcakes.
ETX Studio
Wed May 11 2022
Balenciaga's Paris sneakers went viral in a matter of hours. - ETX Studio
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.
Economic outlook: Budget 2025 to lay foundation for a digital-driven economy
The report said Budget 2025 will entail efforts to position Kuala Lumpur as a top 20 global startup hub by 2030 through the KL20 initiative.
Economic outlook: Corruption and lack of accountability hinder economic progress
Special Cabinet Committee on National governance is established to curb corruption, law reforms to modernise outdate regulations, MoF said.
National Wages Consultative Council will be strengthened
The govt will also incentivise hiring women returning from career breaks, offer job matching and improve care services facilities.
Economic outlook: Ensuring 11 years of compulsory education for all children
Budget 2025 will continue prioritising upskilling and retraining initiatives to equip workers with the latest skill sets necessary.
Consolidated public sector projected to record lower surplus of RM41.7 bil 2024
The MoF said the consolidated general government revenue is estimated to increase slightly to RM384.7 billion in 2024.
PM announces substantial Budget 2025 hastening Malaysia to become Asian economic powerhouse
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said it would create jobs and also tackle financial leakages to enhance public spending efficiency.