Balenciaga’s creative director Demna Gvasalia has been known for creating some outlandish bags in his 4+ years designing for the brand. There was the fancy Ikea shopping bag tote, and the pre-graffitied City Bag. A few seasons ago, Gvasalia introduced the brand’s new all-logo-everything aesthetic, which thanks to its bold lettering, is impossible to forget.
Though more recently Gvasalia has toned down the logo elements in his designs, new silhouettes still bear branding that isn’t very hard to spot. Take the Hourglass bag for example, which though cleaner in design is still characterized by its dangling ‘B’ logo hardware in addition to its unique shape.
Balenciaga’s logo bags have become a staple amongst the fashion crowd, though many who once loved the brand’s bags (hello City bag lovers!) have shied away from Gvasalia’s logo-driven direction. Logo-fatigue is a real thing, and while some consumers have been feeling it for a long time, Balenciaga’s latest bag indicates that Gvasalia himself is feeling it as well. The Balenciaga Ghost bag is brand new for SS20, featuring a sleek silhouette and virtually zero branding. The name itself seems to be a play on the brand’s old aesthetic as a bold B or a BALENCIAGA logo is not visible here, much like a friendly ghost.
The Ghost bag was first spotted on the runway at the brand’s SS20 show last October. Immediately fans were intrigued by the standout new design, which we now know as the Ghost bag. Its structured shape features a short, adjustable shoulder strap, a small flap closure and accordion gusseted sides. The design overall gives off a clean, effortless look and possesses a cool-girl, vintage vibe.
The Ghost bag is available in a few different iterations from smooth neutral leathers to shiny exotic-effect leathers. This design is refreshingly different from what we’ve seen from the house of Balenciaga in the past few years, indicating a possible shift in both Gvasalia’s overall vision as well as consumer demand. View more versions of Balenciaga’s brand new bag below and let us know what you think!
Balenciaga Ghost Croc Effect Medium Shoulder Bag ($1,750)
Balenciaga Ghost Lizard Effect Medium Shoulder Bag ($1,750)
Balenciaga Ghost Large Shoulder Bag Shiny Calfskin ($1,950)
Demna Gvasalia is a god, I love how he just throws people off with his outlandish ideas, then completely throws them a curveball with a structured quiet looking bag.
I also happen to love this bag. Understated, simple, and so ladylike. The antithesis to every other bag he’s released so far…
This honestly looks so cheap, like a simple bag you can get at Zara. There’s nothing creative about the design at all!
Demna Gvasalia is a god, I love how he just throws people off with his outlandish ideas, then completely throws them a curveball with a structured quiet looking bag.
I also happen to love this bag. Understated, simple, and so ladylike. The antithesis to every other bag he’s released so far…
Agree 100%! I hate visible branding and this bag is the first Bal in ages that I actually like. The bag is really pretty and timeless and will look good on anyone.
I really love this bag too!
are we seeing the end of maximalism?
The design is simple and minimalistic, but uncharacteristically dull. It’s not something that tempts me to purchase.
I like it!
It’s not bad, but it’s not $1500-2000 good either.
Reminds me of the LV Epi Leather Buci bag from 2002.
(Edited to add)
I visited their website and saw the other colors and sizes. I actually like this bag. Very suitable to low key style and practical because of the outer slip pocket and adjustable shoulder strap.
Boring. This bag is the antithesis of why I like Balenciaga. If I want a toned down, ladylike bag, I go elsewhere.
I like a bag that both Queen Elizabeth and hipsters can wear and it looks good on both. I bet this bag is a real beauty in person.
This made me laugh!
You could show me a black croc lunchbag and I’d want it!
By Far is cheaper.
You are so right! By Far is less expensive and very similar to this brand. Thanks for pointing this out!
You’re welcome. That was the first thing come to my mind when I saw this ?
finally, a new design i actually LOVE!! definitely feeling logo-fatigue notwithstanding my inexplicable obsession with dior book bags
Edited to add: especially vibing with the croc leather…
It… looks like many other bags
While the idea is great, this design has missed the mark. It looks like it could be from any fast fashion retailer.
Has anyone purchased this bag? I love it in red, and I’m thinking about getting it.