IMAGE:CHANEL

Much has been said recently about Chanel selling boomerangs that cost some SGD2020 each, with netizens hurling (get it, hurling) all sorts of boo-boo comments from cultural appropriation (yes, because apparently only Australian aboriginals can make and sell boomerangs) to how extremely overpriced it is (yes, it is).

But while it isn’t my job to defend Chanel in any way, I do feel the need to point out the following. For starters, this isn’t the only sports-related item that Chanel has launched in recent years; they’ve had everything from basketballs to surfboards if memory serves me correctly. This also isn’t the only sports-related item in their current SS17 line-up either; you’ll also find a tennis racket and a set of 4 white tennis balls (sold separately, of course) as well as a set of beach racquet paddles. There’s even a stand-up paddle board.

So besides offending the aboriginals, Chanel must have also upset the British, since they were the ones who made it mainstream in the 16th century. Or the Israelis because they started playing beach racquetball in the 1920s. Should we protest on their behalf as well then?

With regards to how expensive it is, guys, it’s Chanel! And when it comes to luxury brands like them, it’s always more a want than a need. Simply put, Chanel selling tennis balls is like Hermès selling porcelain plates is like Louis Vuitton selling pencils. They are expensive, you don’t need it, but you sure want it. If you can afford it, good. But if you can’t, then head on down to your nearest sports/homeware/stationery store because they will sell pretty much the same thing as a fraction of the price. And that’s that.

From left to right: Chanel wood and resin boomerang, SGD2020, Chanel tennis balls (set of 4 in a canvas zip case), SGD560, Chanel beach racquet paddles and balls, SGD5090 & Chanel tennis carbon racquet, SGD2330

Image: Chanel