Luxury fashion brand Balenciaga just launched some Franken-fashion that’s befuddling the Twittersphere and beyond. The $1,290 “T-shirt Shirt,” as Balenciaga calls it, can be donned in two ways: Either wear it as a T-shirt, or switch into the long-sleeve button-down that’s inexplicably draped across the front of the tee.

For $200 more, you can show off a more formal version of the look: Balenciaga’s “Double Shirt,” a striped, collared short-sleeve shirt with a long-sleeve top layered across the front.

As you can imagine, the unusual garb has attracted mockery and snark online.

Hey @BALENCIAGA,

I just made my own Double Shirt and it didn't cost thousands of dollars! pic.twitter.com/8daWqAGy7C

— Mike (@AH_Mike) May 28, 2018

When the dress code says “business casual” & you have no idea what that means https://t.co/gkOn3mUdBy

— Bailey Sarian (@BaileySarian) May 28, 2018

Believe it or not, this isn't the first time a Balenciaga piece became the object of online ridicule. Last year, the fashion company released a tote with a striking resemblance to Ikea’s shopping bag.

Balenciaga is selling a $2,145 leather version of the Ikea tote: https://t.co/Cu8DgJ1amv pic.twitter.com/wiWgkUx6uZ

— Glamour (@glamourmag) May 3, 2017

More recently, Balenciaga debuted an $895 New York City sweatshirt that one can probably buy for less then $20 on the streets of Times Square.

This is *almost* funny, but not. pic.twitter.com/ToHm5r26p7

— Miss Suber (@misssuber) April 4, 2018

What's the lesson for promotional products professionals amid all this mockery? The perceived value of an item is truly dependent on public perception, and even high-end designers miss the mark now and again.

Product Hub
Find the latest in quality products, must-know trends and fresh ideas for upcoming end-buyer campaigns.