Balenciaga and the uglier side of fashion: China Daily contributor

The writer says it is time to remove luxury products from the high pedestal they have been placed on. - SCREENGRAB FROM BALENCIAGA

BEIJING (China Daily/Asia News Network): Balenciaga's new 'Paris' range of trainers were recently trending on Weibo, China's equivalent of Twitter, for their rugged look, tattered holes, scuffs and slits, and a huge price-tag - the costliest pair coming for no less than US$1,850.

Many people commented online that they were relieved they could never afford these "anything but luxurious" shoes. Others were less sparing, a few even quipped that such shoes could easily be found in a trash can. One sure wonders if, through these unflattering pairs, the brand was ridiculing its most loyal customers - the rich - while paying a secret tribute to the poor.