Balenciaga’s runway featured ‘Bazar Shopper’ is one of the most controversial bags for the season. You either love Demna Gvasalia’s guts to charge luxury prices for a very pedestrian-inspired design or frown upon his lack of effort.

No matter which sides you choose, the Bazar Shopper is a hit. Selling out on many websites and stores is a good indication of the popularity of this statement bag. However, for me, I cannot see myself braving the streets nor investing over SGD1.5K in a bag which may or may not survived this current season. Hence, I opted for the Bazar Pouch which still bears the same striking stripes while being more accessible in price. And I am glad I made that choice. 


Upon receiving my Bazar pouch, the first impression is how impressed I am with the ultra bright leather colours. The signature distressed lambskin used typically on Balenciaga’s Arena bags, is dyed with amazing colour intensity. I am a fan of this Balenciaga leather as the visible graining and ‘cracked’ texture adds aplenty of character. Meticulously stitched strip by strip to form the colourful graphic pattern, this technique no doubt justifies its ‘luxurious’ price tag. At a size of 34.5cm (13.6”) wide and 24.3cm (9.6”) tall (slightly larger than A4), the pouch can hold magazines and iPads easily, while the gusset sides help to accommodate thickness without suffering unsightly warping. The smooth running 2-way zippers is a joy to use, making retrieving contents a breeze from any sides. Because the colours and design is so outstanding, I am happy the branding is done discreetly as a foil stamp on the front. While the black cotton lining is debatable with regards to high-end finishing but it helps to control the weight and practical to resist stains. So I have no issues with this material choice. Only complain I have is the very slim inner silt pocket which is somewhat redundant. I would prefer it to have a slight depth so you can place more substantial things like keys or mobile phones.


Design ★★★★
This is a striking clutch bag. Instantly recognisable and yet a joy to hold in your hands. Lightweight, roomy with just the right proportion. I can attest to the bag’s  well balanced functionality and appeal. With the very positive response in terms of sales for Fall Winter  2016 pieces, the Bazar collection now comes in new colours for pre-spring 2017 (See above pic). This goes to show the design is here to stay... at least thru to next summer.  So hurry, get them before they sell out again!

Pricing ★★★☆
Being ingenious to replicate the stripe pattern of a cheap laundry bag in a luxurious leather scores good points with me. I like design twists.  And the craftsmanship and quality speak for themselves. Compared to similar bags in the same level of design and construction, Balenciaga is a steal. Cross fingers, they don’t raise their pricing because of the strong demand. (MatchesFashion.com sells out in the FW2016 colours and the new Pre-spring 2017 versions as well!)

Ratings:
★★★★  Excellent. Highly recommended
★★★★  Great. Deserving a thumbs up
★★★★  Good. Fulfill its promise
★★★★  Mediocre. No surprises