Forget designer Crocs and even ‘high fashion’ kopitiam bum bags, the most outrageous satirical statement made by one of fashion’s most influential luxury brands has just dropped. If you’ve been active on social media the past couple of days, you’d know what we’re referring to: Balenciaga’s Supermarket Shopper.
The luxury brand’s newly unveiled take on classic disposable plastic carrier bag gives plastic a luxurious upgrade — well, as luxe as how plastic can actually get.
We can’t say that we’re surprised; Balenciaga has got a pronounced reputation for an aesthetic that teeters on gimcrack-looking with its witty, ironic take on everyday objects we’re familiar with. Case in point: The questionable colorblock striped tote bag from Balenciaga’s Fall/Winter 2016 show, which has been linked to Thailand’s recyclable receptacles. The brand then dropped a string of expensive shopping bags over the past year to join the ranks of their preceding shopping bag.
This included the all-black US$1,800 (S$2424.78) Balenciaga tote and a US$1,100 calfskin leather bag which, in all honesty, could have pulled off as a free shopping bag that comes with every Balenciaga purchase.
This new trio of bags are each crafted with soft lambskin leather and its own unique print. The “Sirop Green/Gold” bag features Balenciaga’s “Double B” logo atop an “EU” stamp, while the yellow, white and blue shopper is accentuated with the phrase “The Power of Dreams.” Lastly, the red and black bag includes a “Europe” font. Available for order now from the Balenciaga web store, with prices ranging from US$950 to US$1,150, these shoppers will make for a hilarious eyebrow-raising-type gift for Christmas. Or maybe not — we wouldn’t want you to lose a friend.
In light of the risible release, we’ve rounded up a couple more designer shopper bags which practically beg the question: how much are you actually willing to pay for a wet market-inspired ‘plastic’ bag?
Balenciaga Bazar Leather Shopper
Balenciaga’s Bazar tote sees a sci-fi update with this metallic foil iteration ($2,470). This market tote, which generated much publicity the year before, channels a futuristic vibe that is fitting for the current season of references to space and tech (hello, Chanel).
MM6 Maison Margiela Transparent Tote
A casual, streetwear-like take on luxury, this PVC bag ($316) with a faux pearl strap takes plastic bags to a whole new level with its in-your-face display of unabashed simplicity. We’d imagine that you’ll have to keep your schelped items neat though — you wouldn’t want your hoarder self to be put on display with those 20 over lipsticks!
Asish Checkerboard Bag
Covered in hand-stitched sequins (we let you in on how much we love ‘em here), this vibrantly hued checkerboard bag ($730) adds a playful panache to office place looks. We deem this as the most ‘dressy’ option out of the ones we’ve previously mentioned. It’s retro and quirky enough to pull off as a sensible choice that’s also fit for the dance floor this party season.
ALSO READ: BALENCIAGA BRINGS CROCS TO ITS RUNWAY SHOW: BUT WOULD YOU WEAR THEM?
https://www.herworld.com/fashion/trends-and-tips/designer-shopping-bags-would-you-pay-more-1000-these-wet-market-totes-balenciaga-supermarket-shopper/
XXL bags are back: Here's why we are so in love with them
Big bag, don't care
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A big and functional work bag is every woman’s sine qua non in tackling the daily 9 to 5. It carries all our essentials (10 different shades of lipstick counts as essential, right?) while emanating a professional, we-mean-business attitude. And the fashion world seems to be nodding its head in our favour, with the current trend of blown-up totes being a perennial sight across the board.
But how do we carry off such an extreme receptacle trend? As seen at shows like Gucci, Burberry and Altuzarra, the key is to adopt a nonchalant attitude by carrying it by the handle. Pair the billowing spacious bag with tight-fighting clothes such as slim-fit trousers and you’re all set to rock the trend in style. Now that you’re equipped with the tips, scroll through to shop some of the most chic oversized totes of the season.
ALSO READ: THE BUSY GIRL’S GUIDE TO EVERY NECKLACE STYLE, AND WHAT TO PAIR THEM WITH
Burberry The Giant Reversible Tote
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Its name pretty much gives it away entirely. Known as the ‘Giant Reversible Tote’, this slouchy oversized bag is surprisingly lightweight. In short, it’s roomy. But yet, easy on the shoulders.
We’re completely enamoured at the form and function of this big-on-proportion bag with tartans and checks inside out. In primary colours finished with bright scores of neons, this versatile tote is a fresh alternative to plain ol’ black carry-alls.
Burberry The Giant Reversible Tote Bag, $1,750
Gucci Canvas Tote
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At Gucci’s FW17 show, we saw quirky motifs after quirky motifs adorning the captivating Gucci receptacles – from entomological species like beetles and bees to gorgeous radiant poppies. But what truly stood out was this oversized magical tote in woven canvas. Lush, opulent posies bloom from the antiquated form of the straw-like canvas. A bold band with Gucci’s signature stripes struck through the centre portion for a touch of rich juxtaposition texture.
Gucci Embroidered Poppies Tote, $2,901.85
Chanel FW17 Bag
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Appearing to look super-soft and cushy, this Chanel tote bag looks almost like a duvet of sorts. Made of large quilting, with a silver chain strap and the classic CC logo taking front and centre, this receptacle stands as an ode to the futuristic theme of the FW17 Chanel show, ‘Fashion of the Future’. If women in the future were to really carry such nap-time-appropriate ‘accessories’ around, then it’d be great time to be alive, we must say.
Chanel Oversized Tote, Price unavailable. Photo: Instagram
Céline Big Bag
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Céline calls a spade a spade with the inception of its ‘Big Bag’ in the Fall Winter 17 collection with what is quite literally the largest, roomiest bag to ever fall under Céline’s umbrella of high quality, trend-kindling bags. Originally introduced in two sizes for the FW17 collectio, Large and Medium, the Big Bag in small size will be a new addition to the line come Spring 2018.
Despite nuances in size, all three Big Bags will feature the same Céline signature elements: the belt clad with eyelets, the butterfly loop, and the raw edges.
Céline SS18 Medium Big Bag, $3,500 ; Available in all Céline stores from mid-November onwards
Altuzarra Lattice Oversized Tote
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For its Fall Winter 2017 show, Altuzarra put a crafty twist to frame bags with glossy knotted lattices and an added decorative corsage sitting beneath a coat of black lacquer.
This practical purse has an underlying edge of severity with its black-on-black aesthetic and its play on different textures. Embracing details and decadence, this receptacle is made for the complex, sophisticated woman.
Altuzarra Bag; Price unavailable
ALSO READ: WITH ALL THE DAILY STRESS AND GRIEF YOU GET AT WORK, MAKE SURE YOUR HANDBAG ISN’T ONE OF THEM
Proenza Schouler ‘Hobo’ Bag
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Never one to shy away from making an irreverent statement in the name of fashion, Proenza Schouler never fails to delight us with a bevy of tongue-in-cheek pieces we so desperately want to covet.
For its FW17 collection, this silver metallic leather bag made its way to the runway (and into our hearts) with its mega-sized proportions and intergalactic aesthetic. The ‘Hobo’ bag seems like it had just entered earth from space with its thermal suit-esque appeal.
Proenza Schouler Bag, $2,961
Saint Laurent Oversized Bag
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This oversized bag retains all its elegance in sturdy leather while looking slightly edgier with its studded button details. With a wide trapeze body and round top handles, this Saint Laurent number is finished with a delicate logo stamp down the centre of its front.
The decorious structure is fitting for the office while at the same time, exuding laidback sensibility to immediately establish you as the ultimate ‘cool girl’ of the office.
Saint Laurent Trapeze Body Bag, $4,640
Simon Miller Bonsai 30
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Reset your look with a fresh new bag silhouette and colour palette. This off-white Simon Miller piece – a scaled-up version of the signature ‘Bonsai’ – works as the ultimate sartorial cleanser with its chic and minimal bucket bag form. Crafted from buttery nubuck in a cylindrical shape, with glossy black acrylic handles, this must-have is every minimalist’s dream come true.
Simon Miller Bonsai 30 Bucket Bag, $968.83
