Fashion Houses Embrace Distressed and Worn Aesthetics in Recent Collections

Recent discussions sparked by a viral photo of Chinese actress Zhang Jingyi carrying a plastic bag led to inquiries about a Balenciaga trash bag, which exists as a leather accessory from the fall 2022 collection designed by Demna, retailing for $2,100. This trend includes Prada's fall 2026 menswear show in Milan, featuring deliberately stained shirts by Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons, and extends to other brands like Gucci, Chanel, and Helmut Lang, which have presented distressed items over the years. The phenomenon aims to challenge conventional perfection in fashion, making pieces appear lived-in and authentic, though it raises questions about wearability and high costs.