High fashion brand Balenciaga is currently under fire for one of its latest bags: The Balenciaga “Arena” tote.
Shoppers were quick to point out that the blue tote looks almost identical to Ikea’s cheap plastic shopping bag. The twinning purses share the exact same bright blue shade and both also have very similar large, rectangular shape. The biggest difference? The price tag. The more luxurious “Arena” tote is priced at $2,145, while Ikea’s “Frakta” tote is only $0.99.
Several have expressed dismay with the overpriced and not-so-original Balenciaga bag. However, Ikea seems pretty cool about the situation.
“We are deeply flattered that the Balenciaga tote bag resembles the Ikea iconic sustainable blue bag for 99 cents,” the Swedish furniture store stated. “Nothing beats the versatility of a great big blue bag.”
Balenciaga “Arena” extra large shopper tote, $2,145 at Barneys
IKEA “Frakta” bag, $0.99 at IKEA
If you were wondering what the customer reaction to this whole debacle was, don’t worry. We rounded up some of the funniest tweets on the issue for you.
HAHAHAHAHA Balenciaga Is Selling the Ikea Tote for $2,145: https://t.co/BemTr6ttw4 via @TeenVogue pic.twitter.com/FvO3ag9EKa
— Thuy Ong (@ThuyOng) April 19, 2017
Who wore it better? Balenciaga or IKEA? pic.twitter.com/LCB9Qri2xN
— Mikael Pawlo (@mpawlo) April 18, 2017
Credit: Instagram/Twitter