Balenciaga has been named the hottest fashion brand in Q1 of 2022. Now, the brand is in the news again for its latest offering to the fashion market – limited edition ‘destroyed’ Balenciaga Paris sneakers.
The sneakers have garnered a lot of attention for their worn-out, roughed up look replete with massive holes and rips.
All we know about Balenciaga’s destroyed Paris Sneakers
Unsurprisingly, images of the torn and tattered sneakers, which are available in white and black options, have gone viral on social media. Their eye-watering price of US$1,850 has also raised eyebrows and been met with amusement and outrage online. According to the brand, these “extra destroyed” high-tops will be made in a limited run of 100 pieces per colourway.
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While the Paris Sneaker campaign has now become the talk of the town, Balenciaga has explained that the viral images of the destroyed sneakers are actually still life portraits styled and conceptualised by Leopold Duchemin, and are not reflective of the actual ones on sale.
The shoes do showcase a pre-worn look with distressed canvas and rough edges, but are nowhere as dilapidated as depicted in the campaign.
The destroyed sneakers are currently up for pre-order on the Balenciaga website. Their less-than-pristine condition hasn’t deterred sneakerheads and they are already sold out in most sizes.
Reaction to Balenciaga’s destroyed sneakers
The campaign and the images of the destroyed sneakers initially sparked controversy and derision, with netizens taking to social media questioning their beat-up look and price tag.
One Twitter user shared a photo of the sneakers and captioned it, “This is a criticism of the fashion world, do you see that? (sic).”
This is a criticism of the fashion world, do you see that? #BALENCIAGA #whoiswarda pic.twitter.com/XzkjPTe97V
— Warda (@whoiswarda) May 9, 2022
Another Twitter user joked, “Who knew my son was a trend setter. He’s been wearing shoes like this for years. (sic).”
Who knew my son was a trend setter. He’s been wearing shoes like this for years. 😂 #Balenciaga https://t.co/SI6XrIKqc2
— Louisa Ainscough 🌻 (@AinscoughLouisa) May 9, 2022
More about Balenciaga’s Paris Sneaker collection
The destroyed sneakers form only part of Balenciaga’s Paris Sneaker collection. The range also includes the same high top designs — but without the destroyed aesthetic — in black, white and red, as well as sneaker mules for men and women. These are priced from US$495 to US$625.
The collection was pre-launched in South Korea and China on 25 March and 9 April, respectively, before its worldwide release on the official website of the luxury fashion house on 9 May.
(Main and featured images: Balenciaga)
