Balenciaga, known for its eccentric approach to luxury fashion, is at it again with its latest creation: a $925 (R17,000) terry-cloth towel skirt. While the fashion house is no stranger to trolling with items like “destroyed” sneakers and a “trash pouch” handbag, this new addition takes luxury absurdity to another level.
The $925 towel skirt is exactly what it sounds like—a terry-cotton skirt resembling a towel you might hastily fasten around your waist post-shower. Despite its hefty price tag, it lacks the expected cashmere or mink embellishments. Instead, it features the Balenciaga logo embroidered tone-on-tone at the front. For those willing to splurge on the most expensive gag gift, the skirt is available for preorder on Balenciaga.com.
This isn’t the first time Balenciaga has raised eyebrows with its extravagant offerings. Last year, it successfully sold out $1,850 “destroyed” sneakers, and earlier, a $1,800 “trash pouch” handbag made waves in the fashion world. Creative director Demna Gvasalia seems to revel in creating overpriced luxe items that capture attention.
Despite the playful luxury pranks, Gvasalia has, at times, stepped away from gimmicky creations. In February, he declared a return to the roots of Balenciaga, focusing on quality clothing rather than image or buzz. The fall 2023 collection showcased elegant garments, emphasizing the original strengths of Balenciaga, including body-morphing volume and impeccable detailing. However, the recent unveiling of the $925 towel skirt adds another layer to Gvasalia’s complex design philosophy.
While some praised the fall 2023 collection for its refined tailoring, others, like New York Times critic Vanessa Friedman, referred to it as a “march of the penitents,” with clothes that were “not particularly revolutionary.” Gvasalia, undeterred, continues to produce shows highlighting garments and asserts himself as a “forever designer.”
Gvasalia’s unconventional approach challenges traditional luxury norms. In October 2022, he expressed a distaste for luxury that merely communicates wealth. His preference is for items that don’t scream affluence. The $925 towel skirt might just be another piece in the puzzle of Gvasalia’s grand plan to redefine luxury fashion.
As Balenciaga blurs the lines between fashion and folly with its $925 towel skirt, one can’t help but wonder if this luxury prank is a stroke of genius or a step too far. Whether embraced as a daring statement or dismissed as extravagant absurdity, Balenciaga’s latest creation adds another chapter to the brand’s history of pushing the boundaries of high fashion.
