PHOTO COURTESY OF BALENCIAGA
Fitting right in line with the French fashion house’s love for unconventional silhouettes are Balenciaga’s Crush bags. Showcasing crushed, or a form of crinkle-effect calfskin leather, it evokes that semi-worn-in look. They also embody an evolution of existing house classics elevated to new styles for the season.
For starters, the Crush XS Chain Bag (SGD2700), which draws several similarities to the Hourglass bag. These include a curvilinear base, matching front flap and corresponding B logo, all signature Balenciaga elements. What’s different with the Crush XS is the lack of a top handle and leather strap. Instead, it gets an aged-gold sling to wear over the shoulder or across the body.
Measuring 22 cm wide and 10 cm high, the well-organised bag boasts three inner compartments, a zipper pocket, and a slot for cards. Remember Balenciaga’s trash bags which made headlines last year? Well, check out the same-but-different Crush Small Tote Bag. Available in black and white crushed calfskin, it comes in at 26 cm by 24 cm.
Accompanying it is a dual-purpose strap similar to the one on the Crush XS Chain Bag. The drawstring ribbon is still the main way of accessing the interior, but you can choose to leave it unfastened, so it's easier to reach for your items within. Time to get crushing on with these new Balenciaga bags. You just need to decide if you prefer the ‘classic’ sling or the casual throw-everything-in tote.
