PHOTO COURTESY OF BALENCIAGA
What defines the east-west silhouette is a shape that is wider than it is tall. Two designs in Balenciaga’s lineup show how differently that balance can be struck. The Rodeo East-West Chain Bag keeps a relaxed, open flap with a sliding chain. The Le City East-West Mini pares down an iconic classic, sized for just the essentials.
The Rodeo takes its name from Rodeo Drive in California, and it carries that same sunny, unhurried attitude. Its flap is designed to stay open and sit slightly undone, matching Balenciaga’s relaxed approach to styling. With no visible logo, the look stays recognisable without announcing itself. This season, the bag adopts a new east-west format, swapping the conventional top handle for a sliding chain strap.
Put the two together, and the name makes complete sense. The Rodeo East-West Chain Bag comes in either smooth calfskin or vintage goatskin. Both leathers feel rich and supple, treated to build a natural patina over time. Measuring 33 cm by 16.5 cm, it holds two interior compartments and a zip pocket, while two flat pockets adorn the back. Double up the sliding chain for shoulder carry, or extend it for a casual crossbody look.
PHOTO COURTESY OF BALENCIAGA
Then there’s the Le City East-West Mini, which does exactly as its name suggests. It is the brand’s miniature take on the Le City East-West, cut to carry little and weigh less. It measures 23 cm by 15 cm, against the original’s 40 cm by 18 cm. That makes it a little over half the length, as well as shorter and slimmer. It also adds an adjustable leather strap, so you can wear it hands-free.
While Balenciaga’s Rodeo East-West Chain Bag (SGD4650) is the roomier, more relaxed option, its pockets organise a full day with ease. The Le City East-West Mini (SGD2850) is the lighter choice, built for phone, cards, keys and an SLG or two. Both embrace the landscape silhouette, yet each suits a different rhythm of life, and budget.
