Balenciaga, renowned for its avant-garde fashion, has once again turned heads with its latest creation: a $925 towel skirt. Known for their eccentric designs, including the Croc heel and the trash bag purse, the luxury brand has introduced a unisex, mid-rise, knee-length skirt made from gray terry cloth. This unexpected piece is part of Balenciaga’s spring 2024 collection, though it didn’t grace the runway during Paris Fashion Week and made its debut online.
The towel skirt, available in beige, black, and stone gray, is not your typical bath towel. Fitted with two buttons and an internal belt, it features the distinctive embroidered Balenciaga logo on the front. However, what sets it apart, apart from the hefty price tag, is that it’s labeled as “dry clean only.”
Unsurprisingly, social media erupted with diverse opinions on this peculiar garment. Some users expressed disbelief at the concept, wondering about the decision-making process that led to its creation. Others mocked the idea, suggesting alternatives available at significantly lower prices. Still, there were those who embraced the controversy, with some even inquiring about potential Black Friday discounts.
However, Balenciaga is not the pioneer in turning towels into high fashion. Prada, Fendi, and Ludovic de Saint Sernin featured towel skirts in their spring 2020 collections, while Miu Miu and Acne Studios did so in 2017 and 2015, respectively. Notably, Donatella Versace revived a butterfly-printed terry cloth ensemble from Gianni Versace’s 1995 collection in 2018, and Marc Jacobs presented a sequined towel dress in 1989.
The act of dressing in towels has been captured artistically for decades. Numerous Vogue issues have showcased models in various stages of getting ready, highlighting the intimate and everyday connection with towels. Balenciaga’s towel skirt aims to embrace this tradition, making it a genderless experience for anyone willing to spend $925 on this unique fashion statement.
