A netizen recently shared a video on social media stating that Balenciaga has launched a new bag featuring a Beijing roast duck pattern and the Chinese characters of "Beijing roast duck" on it, the Paper reported.

A staff member at a Beijing Balenciaga store confirmed that bags from the “Beijing roast duck” series are available for purchase, said the Paper.

According to staff, the series includes two styles, one is a clutch bag made of cowhide for the outer layer and TPU mirror material for the inner lining, and the other is a keychain accessory.

Priced at 15,500 yuan, the clutch is exclusively available in limited quantities at Balenciaga's Beijing stores, according to the report. "This design has been extremely popular— nearly 20 pieces have been sold since it was released on May 27, and only one brand-new piece remains in the store," the staff worker said. 

On Balenciaga's Chinese-language website, only the 6,500-yuan keychain is listed under the collection, currently marked as out of stock, per the Paper.

The Beijing roast duck-themed item was specially launched to celebrate the opening of a flagship store in Beijing, according to Balenciaga’s Weibo account.

The bag’s design has drawn mixed reactions. Some netizens expressed that they could not accept it, adding that at the same price, they might prefer to buy a more conventional-style bag. Others, however, argued that designing luxury bags in such a way is inherently about pursuing individuality, believing that some consumers are willing to pay for this kind of unique design.

Sun, a luxury retail display designer, explained that high-end brands often introduce localized or unconventional designs. "Some are collaborations, while others are meant to highlight individuality. With brand value backing, certain consumers will embrace them," Sun said, adding that it mainly depends on consumers' purchasing power and their recognition of brand value.

Global Times