It went unnoticed during Paris Fashion Week, but controversial Internet users have ended up noticing it and making it viral. It is the latest madness from Balenciaga, the brand that loves controversy as much as elevating everyday objects and turning them into an accessible luxury for a few.
From the industrial coat for 2,990 euros, through the skirt towel (695 euros) and the garbage bag (1,700 euros), the bracelet in the form of adhesive tape reaches the shop windows. This piece of jewelry – to say the least – basically consists of an adhesive tape that has a circular cardboard inside on which “Balenciaga Adhesive” is stamped several times.
The piece was worn in public for the first time by one of the models on the Balenciaga catwalk, with futuristic white glasses and a blue top with details made of transparent plastic. As it could not be otherwise, the roll of Balenciaga tape has a stratospheric price: 3000 euros. The controversy is served.
“Fashionistas are already rushing to buy a roll of tape for 3,000 euros,” writes one user, mocking the product. Others go further and recognize that the problem does not lie with the firm but with those who buy it. “The problem is not what he proposes, it is that there are those who buy his idea, and pay for it. At the same time there are those who are dying of hunger. Inconsistencies of this world”, to which another Internet user adds: “Really, the “People’s level of stupidity has reached the limit. The Balenciaga brand launched a bracelet, which is a roll of adhesive tape, costs a fortune and was sold out in jewelry stores.”
It is not surprising that the piece sold out in a short time in physical and online stores. The firm, which has a long history of carrying out this sales strategy, knows its audience well and knows that if it launches a few copies of a product and gets controversy surrounding it, success is assured.
In fact, these types of pieces never become a street style trend – they are rarely seen on the streets – however, on the second-hand market their price escalates even further and they end up becoming exclusive collector’s items.
