Balenciaga is a label synonymous with pushing boundaries and producing conversation-starting collections that set the internet ablaze, but its latest drop is in the centre of controversy. The House debuted the Paris sneaker through a series of campaign images depicting an extremely worn-out pair complete with scuffs, cuts and graffiti. The campaign, photographed by Leopold Duchemin, features a timelapse of each sneaker as it transforms from brand new (albeit very slightly distressed) to absolutely destroyed in order to convey that the Paris sneaker is designed to last a lifetime.
Though distressed looks are nothing new to the industry, the Balenciaga Paris sneakers have been dubbed offensive and outrageous by Balenciaga loyalists and fashion critics alike. While some argue that the House is making a statement about luxury fashion by marketing worn-out sneakers to affluent shoppers, others remain baffled by the launch. However, all is not as it seems. Balenciaga is using outrage culture to its benefit as the "full destroyed" sneakers do not make up the entire collection. The regular Paris sneaker, available in a mule and high-top, are lightly distressed whereas only 100 pairs of the "full destroyed" iteration are up for grabs. Though the internet is divided, we predict they'll be sold out in no time - even if they do cost Dhs6,820. Shop now