Hold your towels! British Ikea troll vs Balenciaga towel skirt

Hold your towels! British Ikea troll vs Balenciaga towel skirt. Story by Eleonora de Gray, Editor-in-Chief of RUNWAY MAGAZINE. Photo Courtesy: Balenciaga / Ikea UK.

In the latest chapter of fashion escapades, Balenciaga has left us in awe (or perhaps a bit baffled) with its Towel Skirt in beige terry cotton. Yes, that’s right—it’s a skirt made from a towel… oh wait… it’s just a towel!

Demna Gvasalia, the “creative” director behind this runway “innovation” declared, “It’s a serious job, you know, to make clothes. It’s not about creating an image or buzz or any of those things.” And clearly, Balenciaga has taken this statement quite literally, converting… wearing an everyday bathroom essential as a garment.

Perhaps only Vogue praised this “design” suggesting that the idea of wearing a towel as a symbol of fashion prowess has its roots. And no wonder. Balenciaga is one of most “sponsored” on Vogue list.

1 Hold your towels British Ikea troll vs Balenciaga towel skirt

The pièce de résistance? You can now pre-order this towel for a mere $925 USD, you too can indulge in the “luxury” of a terry cotton towel with a Balenciaga logo subtly embroidered—because why not flaunt your affinity for high-end towels?

Hold your towels! British Ikea decided to humorously jump on the bandwagon and troll Balenciaga new publicity. They introduced their version, the “VINARN Towel Skirt – A 2024 Spring fashion essential.” And stole the show! People died laughing.

2 Hold your towels British Ikea troll vs Balenciaga towel skirt
British Ikea troll on Balenciaga tower skirt

What’s the difference you ask? Well.. not much. The same fabric, the same color, the same quality…. The price is very different  though.

But wait, there’s more! Talking about ridiculous and brand reputation. Rumor has it that Saks Fifth Avenue is trying to free up some storage space by offering a substantial 50-70% discount on Balenciaga’s  for 2 years unsold items stock (836 pieces stock). 

Saks Fifth Avenue massive sales of 834 pieces Balenciaga for last 2 years that no one wants

Whether it’s a gimmick, or just a lighthearted nod to the absurdity of fashion, Balenciaga’s Towel Skirt has certainly soaked up a lot of attention! And not in the right way.

No wonder if you  have such a welcome to the empty Balenciaga stores…

In short, this scary “Blow Me” dude welcomes you to the store to buy towel for $925 green ones. 

Balenciaga welcome sign to the store at Galerie La Fayette November 2023

So here we are, witnessing the collision of chic towels and discounted dreams. Fashion is as much about amusement as it is about style. Enjoy the towel couture trend, whether on the runway or in your bathroom!



Posted from Paris, 4th Arrondissement, France.