Snob Essentials

Vive Le Balenciaga!

balgiantpom.jpgUnlike other trendy “it” bags of the moment, the Balenciaga Le Dix classic bags have retained its cult like following of devoted fans despite a flurry of knock offs and over exposure (I bought my black one at Barneys New York 9 years ago and still love it!). I attribute Balenciaga’s allure to Nicolas Ghesquiere, the cooler than thou Creative Director of the Iconic fashion house. The latest versions of the Arena– the Giant Covered Pom Pon tote– is made of distressed lambskin with an added detail, the perforated trim. I quite like the trim, it makes the bags more feminine and adds just a touch of whimsy. Balenciaga prices also remain reasonable (though 9 years ago I only paid $895 for the classic size, it’s now $1,295) which I think is part of its popularity. This tote has that effortless look to it that I love, so different from my birkins and kellys that always look like their trying too hard (which is why I always throw mine around to let them get scratched up and worn in). The size is really big at 16″x18″ so I’ll just be admiring this from afar. It would look fabulous on my friend Corinne, who is the epitome of cool (and 6′ tall!). Anthracite is my favorite color, it just goes with everything! $1,795 at Barneys New York.com

What about you? Do you still love Balenciaga?

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12 comments

  1. Tina, funny you should ask this question, I just pulled out one of my Balenciaga’s a couple of days ago after not carrying them in years, I was missing it so MUCH! I have the classic style in like 6 colors but I happen to fancy the black, I too bought mine years ago and only spent about $900 for it, b4 it was the “IT BAG” So with all that boring info said, lol, YES I still love my Balenciaga!!

    B..xoxo

  2. Yes, I still love my classic black Balenciaga bag. I haven’t worn it in ages, but I am considering pulling it out for my Thanksgiving trip. It’s laid back elegance cannot be beat on the airplane, especially with 2 little kids in tow.

    xoxo

  3. Tina, I purchased my first (and only!) Balenciaga back in 2007, as a matter of fact, based on your post of June 11, 2007 “More Bags on sale at Barney’s”. It is the Large Partition frame bag in black. I absolutely adore it! It is a stunner, and of course, not obvious as a Balenciaga to most. I truly cannot go ANYWHERE with it without being stopped by someone commenting on how beautiful the bag is. This just amazes (and amuses) my husband 🙂 I only wish now I had purchased it in an additional color. Thanks for your great blog!

  4. Hi Tina,

    I purchased my Balenciaga bag the same time you did. I still love it but have not used it in a while. I just came back from New York and it is still a very popular bag with the ladies out and about shopping.

  5. I am a recent Balenciaga convert. It started innocently enough when I bought a pre-loved 2007 Rouille City thinking it would be my only Bal. Now, I have a sapphire twiggy and anthra day and I want more. Let’s not even talk about the past season ones I’m stalking and those that I reserved for SS09. Bals do that. There colors are gorgeous and the leather is TDF.

  6. Don’t you love yours all worn in and old?

    I swear they were better made back then, but that’s just me 🙂

    xoxo

  7. Hi Tina,

    I do love mine worn in the leather gets even softer. I agree they were made better back then. I think it is because there were only a few of them made at first.