R30,200 designer trash bag causes red carpet controversy
Another day, another designer item that does not justify the price tag.
Many luxury designers have experienced controversial moments.
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It's usually because they are trying to sell an item for a large amount of money, but the item in question is low effort and bizarre.
One of the top fashion houses, Balenciaga, is known for its unique and slightly questionable designs.
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They've "designed" and sold Fake Leg Boots to Brown Paper bag-inspired lunch bags, and even a calfskin leather chips bag that retailed for $1,750 (R34,000).
Now they have made headlines again after an actor wore one of their bags on the red carpet.
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Why did this fashion choice cause such a stir?
The actor, Zhang Jingyi, looked exquisite on the red carpet while attending the Beijing International Film Festival and chose to accessorise with a designer bag.
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Unfortunately, Jingyi looked stunning, while the expensive designer bag looked like your average yellow trash bag.
Balenciaga debuted a similar bag during its Winter Collection in 2022, which sold for close to R30,200 ($1,790).
The brand explained that "The Trash Pouch is inspired by a garbage bag".
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Have a look at the controversial bag below:
As pictures of the actress's look began circulating online, users did not hold back with their reactions.
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The plastic bag has been compared to the Balenciaga Trash Pouch, though it's unclear why the actress chose it or what brand it is.
Is it even a luxury bag, or is it really just a plastic bag?
Have a look at the outfit and responses below:
@enchantresstwistedrose ♬ Originalton - funnyvideos
As it turns out, everyone was getting riled up about nothing.
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While the expensive Balenciaga Trash bag is real, people have clarified that the real reason for Jingyi using the bag is related to a movie that she is promoting with a much deeper meaning:
This is just an ordinary Chinese-made garbage bag. Zhang Jingyi wore it at a film festival to promote a movie about the deaf, where bright garbage bags are used as a plot device. This is a promotional Easter egg, not a designer bag. Stop spreading lies.
— Hyo jung (@Hyojung0112) March 17, 2026
Internet fail: people thought Chinese actress Zhang Jingyi was carrying a Balenciaga trash bag at the Beijing Film Festival, turns out it was just a nod to her character who carries a yellow plastic bag.
by u/bbyxmadi in popculturechat
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Image: Reddit/r/popculturechat