Fashion

How Balenciaga’s Arena tote kickstarted a whole new Insta-worthy trend

Real world inspiration

09.05.2017

By Wei Yeen Loh

How Balenciaga’s Arena tote kickstarted a whole new Insta-worthy trend

When news broke out that Balenciaga’s new Arena extra-large shopper tote bag bears an uncanny (or well, blatant) resemblance to Swedish furniture retailer Ikea’s Frakta bags. The Arena tote sports a striking blue hue and similar straps to that of Ikea’s Frakta multipurpose shopping bag, but that’s where the similarities end. Balenciaga’s $2,145 tote is made of wrinkled, glazed leather, while Ikea’s version is constructed of sturdy synthetic material polypropylene—with a price tag of $0.99.

 

Shortly after Ikea’s hilarious response in an ad to Balenciaga’s new accessory, plenty of other Frakta-related items have mushroomed on Instagram. From badas* looking face-mask-cum-hair-tie to sweatpants and bikini tops, it seems like the new It material to sport is based of off Ikea’s Frakta bag. Check out some of the funniest DIY takes we spotted on Instagram that could likely be the next Balenciaga Arena:

 

 

 

A post shared by Sara Iglesias (@hollydots) on

 

A post shared by Zhijun Wang (@zhijunwang) on

 

A post shared by NORWOOD (@norwood_chapters) on

 

A post shared by NORWOOD (@norwood_chapters) on

 

 

 

A post shared by Chris Kelly (@chrxsk) on

 

A post shared by IKEA Norge (@ikeanorge) on

 

 

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