The images, taken by photographer Leopold Duchemin for the brand, of heavily worn and worn shoes have gone viral following the launch of the couture brand’s new Paris sneaker on Monday, with outrage over the look of high tops that swirl online.
According to the fashion house, only 100 pairs of “extra destroyed” sneakers will be available to buy for $1,850. Meanwhile, the non-limited edition and less worn versions sell on the Balenciaga website for $495 and $625, depending on the specific style.
The “extremely worn” Balenciaga sneakers that surprise online. Credit: Courtesy of Balenciaga
In a press release, the Paris-based brand said the campaign photos show the shoes “extremely worn, marked and dirty”.
An example of the less worn version of the sneaker, available for pre-order for $625 on the Balenciaga website. Credit: Courtesy of Balenciaga
Demna is known for his disruptive style and the launch of the Paris sneaker isn’t the first time his designs have been met with baffled reactions.
Balenciaga describes the shoe as a “revamped classic design”, which is finished with “distressed canvas and rough edges, giving it a worn look”.
Online reactions to the Paris sneaker have been mixed.
But not everyone thinks sneakers are worth making fun of.
The jury seems to be out on whether this latest marketing move is praiseworthy or ridiculous. Either way, Demna and Balenciaga have once again got people talking, no doubt drawing many to a brand that seems increasingly comfortable with controversy.
Featured Image: Balenciaga’s Paris sneaker campaign images.
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