Léa Vandervorst
The SS24 season has had various controversies and, as usual, has raised questions about the extremes of high fashion prices as well as what can truly be considered high fashion. The $5600 Miu Miu underwear might have been one of the most controversial fashion items earlier this fall but it is now time for Balenciaga’s newest creation to steal the spotlight.
The first thing I wondered, and you probably do too, is: what makes Balenciaga’s towel skirt so different from your average bath towel? Well, actually, not much. Similar to an ordinary towel, it is a rectangle of terry cotton fabric. It incorporates two buttons, an adjustable belt, and a tone-on-tone Balenciaga logo on the front. Unlike a regular towel, this skirt cannot just be thrown in the washing machine but requires dry cleaning. The material distinctions between the two are minimal; it’s the monetary disparity that truly separates them. Prepare yourself for the revelation that the Balenciaga skirt comes with a price tag that may leave you breathless – brace for impact – $1090.
The conversation about transforming everyday items into a wearable fashion item has been ongoing for years. Another Balenciaga item had caused a scandal last year: a $2250 bag which looked just like a trash bag. However, what raised eyebrows wasn’t just the concept of wearing a towel as a skirt, but rather the insane price asked for a simple piece of cotton fabric with a belt and two buttons.
Controversies like these can sometimes divide the public, but the Balenciaga towel skirt seems to achieve a rare unity, as the reaction to the design seems to be one of universal incredulity.
According to British Vogue, this unconventional design is described as a “skirt that will make you look like you just hopped out of the shower”. Ikea, on the other hand, poked fun at the brand by having a model wear one of their towels as a skirt. Several people on social media have also taken part in the debate by mocking Balenciaga and recreating their own version of the towel skirt, complete with suggestions for styling.
If Balenciaga was trying to have a viral moment, it definitely succeeded. What remains to be seen is whether anyone will be willing to spend over a thousand dollars to buy a skirt which makes you look like you just stepped out of the shower.
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