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Two of the biggest names in fashion are joining forces. Balenciaga has named Kim Kardashian as their newest brand ambassador.
TMZ is reporting that the luxury fashion label is partnering with the reality television star turned mogul. On Monday (Jan. 22), the announcement was made via Kim Kardashian’s Instagram Story. “For several years now, Balenciaga’s designs have been a part of my many looks – and some of my most iconic fashion moments. This historic fashion house embraces modernity, craftsmanship and takes an innovative approach to design under Demna.”
Kim went on to detail her enthusiasm saying, “for me, this long-standing relationship is built on mutual trust and a commitment to doing what’s right. I’m excited about this next chapter for the brand and to become their ambassador.”
As expected, the announcement was met with a lot of harsh criticism stemming from the brand’s 2022 campaign, which incorporated children and bondage imagery. One Instagram user responded, “No integrity. No morals. Stand for nothing. How it went from denouncing the brand, relinquishing your involvement to now being the brand ambassador.” While another X, formerly Twitter, user called the move downright “shameful.”
It is unclear what Kim Kardashian’s role as a brand ambassador for Balenciaga will entail, but don’t be surprised if we see her be the face of an upcoming campaign or a cobranded effort with her Skims line.
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Source: BALENCIAGA / BALENCIAGA
It is clear the design team at Balenciaga has an interesting sense of humor. The brand is selling a $925 towel disguised as a skirt.
As spotted on TMZ, the luxury label has made the news again for their very polarizing creations. This week, the company unveiled their “Towel Skirt In Beige.” It features a two-button closure at the waistline, an adjustable belt and is knee length. As the name reads, this piece looks just like your standard bath towel but is billed as being made of 100% terry cotton and “is from look 30 of Balenciaga’s Spring 24 Collection.” As expected, we get some subtle branding with their signature logo at the front.
The apparel item was instantly met was some very strong reactions, specifically individuals calling out how laughable this item is. “Balenciaga towel skirt is selling for $920 is crazy cuz I can achieve this same look with my $5 towel from target,” one Instagram user wrote. Another wrote, “Balenciaga’s creative director prob gets high and comes up with these products as jokes.” As expected, the towel quickly went viral and even IKEA UK got in on the fun. On Wednesday (Nov. 15), they launched their VINARN Towel Skirt, a “2024 Spring fashion essential.” Their piece sells for $17 dollars.
This is not the first time Balenciaga has faced ridicule due to their designs. In 2022, the brand released a set of of bags that resembled trash bags and a Lay’s Potato Chip bag. You can shop the Balenciaga Towel Skirt In Beige here.
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Source: Balenciaga / BALENCIAGA
One of the most popular luxury shoes is coming back but not for better. Balenciaga is bringing back their Speed Trainer but in mule form.
As spotted on Hype Beast the Spanish fashion house is reintroducing one of their most popular silhouettes. This week they unveiled the 2023 version of the Balenciaga Speed Trainer but this time we do not get a heel back. Yes you read that correctly, this time the sneaker comes as a mule.
Titled the Speed Mule, this version ditches the signature sock collar for a bare back that exposes the ankle and more. It features a 92% polyester / 8% elastane recycled knit blend, ultra-flexible molded sole, ergonomic sole with “No Memory” technology, a contrasted logo printed on exterior, and an embossed logo on the back of the sole
The Balenciaga Speed Mule Trainer is priced at a cool $750.00. You can shop the sneaker here.
Source: Balenciaga / BALENCIAGA
Photo: Balenciaga
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Source: TMZ / TMZ.com
Kanye West is down bad. The antiemtic trope spewing multihyphenate was spotted shopping at Balenciaga while wearing a shirt bearing a logo of the German Reich.
As per TMZ, the Chicago, Illinois native is back to doing the most. This week he took his new wife out for some retail therapy in Beverly Hills. Out of all places the “Flashing Lights” rapper patronized the Balenciaga Rodeo Drive location on Wednesday, January 25th and apparently cashed out. According to the celebrity gossip site he and Bianca Censori purchased several bags worth of merchandise which ranged from apparel to some accessories. Considering their pieces are not cheap it is safe to say Yeezy still has some major coins even after losing his billionaire status.
The shopping trip is peculiar to say the least as Balenciaga cut ties with him back in October after he made several antisemitic comments. But things get even more bizarre when you consider what Kanye wore to visit the boutique. He was allegedly sporting a white t-shirt with an old coat of arms once used by the German Reich. Under the design is the word “Bundeswehr” which reportedly translates to “federal defense forces” in German.
The new couple were also seen browsing at a Neiman Marcus next door but is unclear if they made any purchases at the retail chain.
Photo: TMZ
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A team of thieves are regretting their decision to participate in retail rush. One woman was sentenced to two years of jail time for stealing $90K worth of Balenciaga product.
As spotted on High Snobiety, a crew of Newark natives had a scheme to bust out a Balenciaga store. Back in March 2022, a shoplifting crew targeted the brand’s Hamptons location for a big heist. Baseemah Davis and four other individuals walked into the boutique and proceeded to rush the store, grabbing as much product off the shelves as they could run out with. They quickly jumped in a Dodge Durango that was waiting outside.
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While the team was able to get out the East Hampton area very quickly they were soon chased by local police on the Long Island Expressway. It seems the SUV was in need of a tune up as it caught a flat tire by Exit 69. Two of the members stayed in the vehicle and three others ran into a nearby wooded area. The cops were able to catch two of the crooks on foot and recover all the stolen merchandise. This week Davis was sentenced to two to six years at Suffolk County Court Tuesday, Jan. 17.
Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney detailed the state’s position in a statement. “Large-scale retail theft results in consequences for our communities,” the document read. “These consequences are felt by store owners and by consumers, who ultimately must bear the costs of such activity through increased prices and the unavailability of certain goods.” The fifth unidentified female remains at large.
You can watch footage of the heist below.
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Photo: Newsday LLC / Getty
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Source: Joshua Bright / Joshua Bright
It seems one of fashion’s most well received collaborations might never see the light of day. adidas has paused all Balenciaga releases.
As spotted on Sneaker Freaker, the Herzogenaurach, Germany based brand is now also reconsidering their professional relationship with Balenciaga. Last week customers were taken by surprise when some received a notification stating that their adidas x Balenciaga capsule purchases were put on hold. “We have taken the time to re-evaluate our partnership with Balenciaga and we have decided to pause all product launches until further notice,” the message read. Unfortunately, therefore, we will be unable to fulfil your pre-order of the Balenciaga/adidas Stan Smith.”
Balenciaga’s customer response was less direct saying “we’re reaching out to inform you that the BALENCIAGA / adidas Stan Smith Worn Out Trainers will be delayed in shipment. We will notify you again when the item is shipped. Please kindly ignore the previous email notification with the UPS tracking number inside.” This pause in production seems to be a direct response to the recent luxury label’s disturbing bondage commercial.
Originally executives pointed the blame at the production company who shot the visuals but dropped all legal action shortly after. Their CEO, Cédric Charbit, also issued a formal apology for their creepy approach. “Balenciaga takes the following the following actions with the objective to learn from our mistakes as an organization. On the internal side, we nominate with immediate effect an image board responsible for evaluating the nature of out content from concept to final assets, including legal, sustainability, and diverse expertise” the message read. Demna, their Creative Director, also issued an apology.
adidas has yet to comment further on the matter.
Photo: Joshua Bright
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