Buzz
Fashion ranks among the most influential industries worldwide. However, it is also one of the largest contributors to environmental pollution. Beyond ecological concerns, fashion has undergone remarkable transformations—from the era in Europe when both men and women donned what we now consider 'unappealing' attire, to today's trends featuring minimalist designs with fewer seams and fabrics.
Throughout its evolution, designers—particularly renowned fashion houses—have introduced controversial items that fetched exorbitant prices. While some may see value in these creations, others are left puzzled. Here’s a list of such questionable items from fashion designers that continue to baffle many.
10. Alexander McQueen’s Hoof Shoe
This footwear debuted during the Plato Atlantis Spring/Summer 2010 collection and is often called the “armadillo boot.” Designed to mimic the appearance of a ballerina en pointe, the shoe stands 30 centimeters (12 inches) tall. Initially, it wasn’t intended for mass production, but enthusiastic fans demanded its release.
Why?
Alexander McQueen’s designs are undeniably unconventional, blending high fashion with artistry. This shoe, resembling a piece of art, would fit perfectly behind a protective glass case in a museum. While the original was crafted from wood, the commercial versions used python leather.
Despite its intimidating design, many bold women embraced the challenge of wearing these 30-centimeter (12-inch) heels. Just imagining wearing them conjures countless scenarios of potential mishaps. For instance, fashion icon Daphne Guinness, known for her daring style, once tripped and fell into a crowd of fans on cobblestones near a churchyard.
Surprisingly, Lady Gaga acquired three pairs of these shoes and proudly showcased them on her Instagram. Initially priced at $10,000, she reportedly spent $295,000 in an auction to secure all three pairs.
The lengths women go to for the perfect pair of shoes!
9. Moschino’s Plastic Dry Cleaning Dress
Jeremy Scott introduced this dress during the Moschino Fall/Winter 2017 runway show. Crafted from polyester, the sleeveless slip-on dress features text at both the top and bottom. It’s unclear what vision the brand’s creative director had in mind or who approved this unconventional design for the runway.
Stella Maxwell, the model showcasing this outfit, wore a black dress underneath the plastic bag-like dress. To complete the dry cleaner-inspired look, a hanger was placed in her hair.
Critics widely compared this new fashion trend to a dry cleaning bag—the kind used to protect clothes after dry cleaning.
The most intriguing aspect is its price tag of $735. The identity of the buyer remains a mystery.
8. Thom Browne’s Dog Bag
We’ve encountered plenty of unique accessories, from plate-shaped clutches to hair hangers. Thom Browne took it a step further with a dog-shaped bag, resembling an adorable puppy. Crafted from premium leather and featuring a tiny collar, this bag is still available for over $30,000.
The iconic dog bag draws inspiration from the designer’s dachshund, Hector, a popular Instagram-famous pet. The silhouette of a dog is even featured in some of Browne’s designs, highlighting his deep affection for his furry companion.
7. Margiela’s Distressed Sneakers
Recall our earlier mention of modern fashion trends favoring minimal seams and fabric?
Maison Margiela has embraced this trend with its heavily distressed sneakers. If this is the new standard, think twice before discarding your old, worn-out sneakers. These white-and-yellow high-tops retail for $1,425—a reasonable price for designer footwear, but steep for shoes that appear to have been gnawed on and passed down by your ancestors.
Several fashion enthusiasts have labeled these sneakers as “avant-garde.”
6. Hermes Leather Horse
The Western trend gained popularity in 2018, but we wonder if this piece was its inspiration. Hermes introduced a fringed brown horse statue priced higher than a Porsche. As Ekta Joshi of Luxury Launches noted, “luxury” often translates to “absurdity,” and we couldn’t agree more.
Hermes is renowned for its luxurious bags, some of the most expensive in the world. While their designs may appear similar, they vary in materials and sizes. (Their micro purse is particularly coveted.) Over the years, Hermes has solidified its reputation as a leading global bag brand.
Why would they produce something as unconventional as the Marley the Pony statue, which carries a price tag of $133,000?
The purpose of this artwork remains ambiguous. However, from an outsider’s perspective, Marley embodies art in its most absurd and glorious form.
5. Clutch With Human Hair
Ines Figaredo is celebrated for her distinctive bag creations. Yet, she undoubtedly caused widespread panic with her human hair clutch. This design leaves many questioning its intent and appeal.
The clutch features a standard design with human hair cascading down its front. The most unsettling detail? Eyes are either glued or stitched onto the bag, hidden behind the hair.
A blogger mentioned that this bag evokes memories of The Ring, a horror movie featuring a character with long black hair obscuring her face. If you haven’t seen The Ring but are familiar with The Grudge, the female character from The Ring bears a resemblance to the ghostly figure in The Grudge.
For an extra dose of fright, the clutch is priced at $1,928. Forget Halloween costumes—Ines has you covered with this eerie accessory.
4. Saint Laurent Hair Ankle Boots
Yves Saint Laurent pushed boundaries with their goat hair ankle boots. While their appearance may be unconventional, they serve practical purposes, such as keeping your feet warm during the winter.
No need to invest in extra stockings, right?
This pair of boots, which gives off a Bigfoot-inspired vibe, is priced at $1,995. The exact shape is somewhat obscured, but glimpses between the strands reveal a pointed toe design, black in color, with silver studs near the ankle.
3. Balenciaga IKEA Bag
In 2017, Balenciaga introduced this high-priced bag. For those who can’t afford a Balenciaga bag without saving for a year, it might seem like we’re just envious. However, the key difference between Balenciaga’s typically stylish bags and this one is that it became a laughingstock on the Internet.
Yes, we’re referring to the IKEA-inspired Balenciaga bag. It bears a striking resemblance to the IKEA Frakta tote, which costs just $0.99. In contrast, Balenciaga’s version sold for over $2,000. The only noticeable difference is IKEA’s iconic yellow logo on the straps.
In the world of design, inspiration can come from anywhere, as demonstrated when a luxury fashion house nearly replicated the IKEA bag using leather and a much higher price tag.
2. Ostrich Headpiece
This headpiece is meticulously crafted from ostrich feathers, with a central brooch to secure them in place. If you’re having a bad hair day, this accessory will transform your look for nearly $2,000.
Once again, we ask, “Why?” It’s easy to imagine the designer turning a woman’s bad hair day into a profitable art piece. Available in orange, yellow, and black, this headpiece is as bold as it is baffling.
1. LEGO Headpiece
It’s not as odd as it sounds—it’s actually quite whimsical. While it might seem like a fun, inexpensive novelty item or a quirky souvenir, Luisaviaroma prices it at $5,230.
Absolutely astonishing. It leaves you questioning whether this LEGO-inspired headpiece is crafted from some hidden, high-end material. Regardless, the idea of using premium resources to create something with no practical function is truly baffling. We’re left speechless.
