Ikea Issues Brilliant Response to Balenciaga's $2,145 Look-Alike Bag
Last week, Balenciaga had the internet in stitches when people noticed its $2,145 blue "shopper tote" looked uncannily like Ikea's 99-cent Frakta shopping bag. Now Ikea has debuted a snarky advertisement in response to the comparisons.
Adweek reports that the Swedish company crafted an ad pointing out the differences between the two bags (and Frakta's superiority). Along with its agency, Acne, the company even went so far as to use a fashion photographer, Anders Kylberg.
The ad reads:
How to identify an original Ikea Frakta bag
1) Shake it. If it rustles, it's the real deal.
2) Multifunctional. It can carry hockey gear, bricks, and even water.
3) Throw it in the dirt. A true Frakta is simply rinsed off with a garden hose when dirty.
4) Fold it. Are you able to fold it to the size of a small purse? If the answer is yes, congratulations.
5) Look inside. The original has an authentic Ikea tag.
6) Price tag. Only $0.99.
Johan Holmgren, creative director at Acne, said he finds Balenciaga's maybe-tribute (the brand hasn't confirmed the connection) "unexpected and brilliant. I liked the flirt. And I thought, Why not flirt back? And we did."
Meanwhile, an Ikea rep told Today, "We are deeply flattered that the Balenciaga tote bag resembles the Ikea iconic sustainable blue bag for 99 cents. Nothing beats the versatility of a great big blue bag!"
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