Balenciaga’s designer, Demna Gvasalia, known for his penchant for trolling and creating eccentric luxury fashion, has released a $925 terry-cloth towel skirt as part of the spring 2024 collection. 

This seemingly straightforward cotton towel features a “Balenciaga logo embroidered tone-on-tone at the front,” according to the brand’s website. However, critics point out the comparable utility of a $21.99 Amazon wrap towel, which includes a front pocket.

Gvasalia’s history includes designing provocative and overpriced items, such as “destroyed” sneakers and a “trash pouch” handbag, but he briefly shifted focus in response to accusations of sexualizing children in Balenciaga’s 2022 holiday ad. 

In February, he expressed a commitment to creating quality clothing rather than relying on gimmicks.

Despite unveiling a fall 2023 collection praised for refined tailoring and nods to Balenciaga’s original strengths, Gvasalia continues to surprise with items like the towel skirt. 

Some critics view this as a departure from the essence of fashion, as Gvasalia had acknowledged in placards at a show, emphasizing that fashion’s core lies in shapes, volumes, and silhouettes.

Gvasalia, positioning himself as a “forever designer,” has faced criticism for deviating from the traditional emphasis on quality clothing. The release of the towel skirt raises questions about his intentions and the ongoing contrast between his statements and his design choices.

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