David Fincher’s ‘Fight Club’ came out in 1999 and if you ask anyone whether it’s there in their list of ‘all-time best movies’, they’re going to say “yes!”. However, the thing is that I don’t think that anybody really took in the message against consumerism that it was professing. Because if they did, a brand like Gucci wouldn’t have been selling dirty sneakers for exorbitant prices.
According to the official website of Gucci, they’re selling what’s being called Screener sneakers, which is basically a pair of worn-out, soiled shoes. The official description for it says,
“A pastiche of different influences that span across decades, the Cruise 2019 collection references old school shapes and materials inspired by vintage sportswear. Influenced by classic trainers from the ’70s, the Screener sneakers—named for the defensive sports move—feature the Web stripe on the side and vintage Gucci logo, treated for an allover distressed effect.”
Okay, now take a look at one of them.
The unpolished leather has been defined as “off-white”. The blackishness on the webbings has been defined as “vintage effect”. The overall look is being called the “distressed effect”. And (this is the best part), it’s priced at £615 + £102 (VAT), thereby amounting to around Rs. 65,000.
Netizens obviously went WTF and berated Gucci for selling these overpriced sneakers.
What do you make of these "dirty" trainers Gucci are selling for a mere £615? Bargain, right?! 🤔 #jeremyvine pic.twitter.com/ONqNUxgl7T
— Jeremy Vine On 5 (@JeremyVineOn5) February 13, 2019
The Emperor has new clothes – ridiculous! pic.twitter.com/bRjccd3oYH
— Sue Atkins (@SueAtkins) February 13, 2019
I've said it before and I'll say it again, some folk have more brass than sense!
— Mrs Yorkshire the Baking Bard (@mrs_baking) February 13, 2019
I’m sure these fashion designers do ridiculously styled things for publicity. Anyone stupid enough to buy them needs to seek out a good Psychologist.
— Lorraine (@lorraney) February 13, 2019
Are you sure this isn't a social experiment for the "new" money witless spenders? What's next, ready worn knickers, used toothbrushes? As long as they have that all important label!
— Teela Na (@teela_na) February 13, 2019
Seriously?!? I mean if someone will pay me $20 – I can go buy you some shoes and dirty them up. I’ll even write @gucci on them. I would like to know who would actually wear these!! pic.twitter.com/SwfV700cRA
— Brooke Katz (@BrookeKatzTV) February 14, 2019
I don’t know whether to laugh or burn everything tbh https://t.co/PMve5JItPk
— Jess Brammar (@jessbrammar) February 13, 2019
I think I had a pair of trainers like these out of Dunnes Stores in the late 80s https://t.co/RrrPoZn2HI
— Chris Holt (@HoltChris) February 13, 2019
I usually throw my trainers away when they look like this https://t.co/Krf2rxoVdV
— Secret Drug Addict (@ScrtDrugAddict) February 13, 2019
So, if you get the chance, are you going to buy these Gucci sneakers? And if so, please let us know why in the comments.