Balenciaga Debuts $625 ‘Extra Destroyed’ Sneakers Made To Last A Lifetime
Image via Balenciaga
Forget crisp white sneakers; Balenciaga is making the tattered, irremediable dog-chewed look a status symbol. One catch: These shoes are US$625.
To be clear, the extremely worn shoes in the image above are supposed to depict Balenciaga Paris Sneakers at the end of their life. The high-fashion label envisions the footwear as something to be worn forever, with each stage of the life cycle worth appreciating. It’s a spin on sustainability that’s rarely considered, as sneakers at this state are normally thrown out.
In still-life pictures captured by photographer Leopold Duchemin, the brand purposefully exaggerates the distressed look to “suggest that Paris Sneakers are meant to be worn for a lifetime.” As per Paper Magazine, the wrong message has been taken by consumers, who believe this is the actual look. This scandal-mongering is to Balenciaga’s benefit, of course.
Image via Balenciaga
That’s not to say that the label is dabbling in false advertising—Balenciaga does retail “extra destroyed” Paris high-tops for US$625. The footwear, available in a limited run of 100 pairs, is deliberately worn and textured with scuff marks, though not to the extent of those portrayed in the shoot.
Images via Balenciaga
See? Good as new.
The clean, original versions are going for the same price, alongside a US$495 mule version, but you get to play the long game here and break these shoes in yourself.
Image via Balenciaga
Images via Balenciaga
The Paris Sneakers have launched in Europe, with the US and the Middle East debuting theirs on May 16. The footwear will finally reach Japan on May 23 before heading worldwide.
[via Paper Magazine, Highsnobiety, Diet Prada, images via Balenciaga]
