Ever picked up a tacky souvenir on holiday that you knew was rubbish but had to have? Well, the good news is you’re trendy now. Fashion house Balenciaga has unveiled a range inspired by the tacky gifts bought on holiday. The ‘I love Paris’ collection features £70 postcards and ponchos for a whopping £1,150. You might be better off saving the money to actually visit the city, which is already becoming more expensive to visit.
The collection features landmarks in the French capital such as the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, or Sacré-Cœur and are emblazoned with the popular tourist slogan of ‘I love Paris.’ A pair of flip flops, with a choice of landmarks, will set you back £320. While a brass and steel keyring with the Eiffel Tower and the Balenciaga logo on will set you back £325. An ‘I love Paris’ white porcelain mug costs £70. For the same price, Balenciaga is also selling a set of seven postcards. The paper cards have landmarks on the front and blank on the back, like a traditional bargain postcard.
The most expensive item in the collection is a black plastic hooded poncho. It has ‘I love Paris and & Balenciaga’ on the back and front and will set you back an eye-watering £1,150. One shopper said: ‘It looks like tat you’d pick up from a stall on the street. You’d expect to pay a few quid for them, not several hundred.’
The collection has been launched to coincide with Balenciaga’s Haute Couture show for the Paris Fashion Week. The show drew attention this week as popstar Katy Perry turned up seemingly naked. Balenciaga is known for its wacky designs. Last November, it sold a skirt that looked like a towel wrapped around the wearer for £695. Other collections have included odd accessories such as a gaffer tape bangle. The fashion line is popular with A-listers like Kim Kardashian and Euro 2024 reject, Jack Grealish.
