Chinese actress Zhang Jingyi recently became the center of online debate after photos of her carrying what appeared to be a yellow nylon bag on the red carpet resurfaced and quickly went viral on social media.
The moment took place at the Beijing International Film Festival, where Zhang Jingyi walked the red carpet in an elegant evening look. However, the accessory in her hand — a simple-looking yellow plastic bag — unexpectedly overshadowed the rest of the outfit and triggered widespread discussion among netizens.
The controversy began after some online users claimed the bag was the Trash Bag Large Pouch from Balenciaga, a luxury item reportedly priced at $1,790. The rumor quickly spread, leaving many people shocked at the idea of paying such a high price for an item that visually resembles an ordinary trash bag.
Comments flooded social media questioning the concept behind such designs. Many wondered whether it represented genuine fashion innovation or simply everyday objects being repackaged as luxury goods. Balenciaga has long been known for creating unconventional products that blur the line between irony, satire, and high fashion.
Despite the viral speculation, several Chinese entertainment outlets later clarified that the bag Zhang Jingyi carried was not a luxury product at all. Instead, it was reportedly just a regular nylon bag that appeared in the film “The One”, in which the actress starred.
According to reports, the bag plays a symbolic role in the movie, and Zhang Jingyi intentionally brought it to the red carpet as a subtle reference to her character and the film’s story.
Meanwhile, the actual Balenciaga Trash Bag Large Pouch frequently mentioned online is not made from thin plastic. The designer item is crafted from premium leather but mimics the shape of a common garbage bag to create a striking visual effect — a signature example of the brand’s provocative fashion philosophy.
Balenciaga has repeatedly stirred controversy with similar designs. The brand previously drew criticism for the Marché Packable Tote Bag, which resembles a crumpled plastic shopping bag yet carries a price tag of around $995.
These unconventional designs continue to divide public opinion. While some fashion enthusiasts praise the brand for challenging traditional aesthetics, others see such pieces as excessive examples of luxury marketing.
Regardless of the debate, Zhang Jingyi’s red carpet appearance once again demonstrated how a single unexpected accessory can spark widespread discussion across the fashion world and social media alike.
Sources: kenh14, weibo
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