Love them or hate them?
Words by Jadie Troy-Pryde
This year, fashion weeks across the globe have continued to shock, surprise and make waves with daring and influential shows. Whether it was Bella Hadid helping Gigi down the runway at New York Fashion Week, or the dogwalk at London Fashion Week, we've certainly been kept on our toes.
However, at the Balenciaga show at Paris Fashion Week this Sunday, the designer debuted something that has completely divided the fashpack - Crocs. The functional footwear has seen a bevy of high-end fashion houses redesign the humble shoe, with Christopher Kane last year adding geodes in an attempt to up the Croc game.
Balenciaga, it seems, are the next in line to update the Croc, with models walking down the runway in brightly coloured platformed versions. Creative director Demna Gvasalia decided to add inches of rubber, and jazz up the Croslite footwear with embellishments like rainbows, stars, and flowers, country flags, peace signs, and animals.
Talking to Elle, Michelle Poole from Crocs said: ''Working with Balenciaga has been so much fun for our team, and once again demonstrates the relevance of our iconic clog in today’s fashion and design world, as well as allowing us to tap into the excitement and energy that comes from unexpected partnerships.'
At the time of Kane's collaboration with Crocs, he admitted that they aren't for everyone.
'I always work with unexpected items and combinations, transforming the everyday into desirable luxury. I wanted to bring my own stamp and DNA to Crocs' classic clog and achieve something really special,' he said.
'Crocs are arguably the most comfortable shoe, and I love that they are slightly awkward and might be perceived by some as "ugly". They have a very naïve and childlike shape which I especially like when they look extra clunky on the foot.'
While it would seem that many fashionistas agree with Kane, the Balenciaga collaboration has already got a lot of praise from Twitter users who want to get their hands on a pair of the Crocs.
'Lowkey so about the Balenciaga platform crocs,' one wrote.
'Balenciaga x Crocs has been my dream since I was 16 and I am very much here for it,' another said.
What do you think - would you consider investing in a pair of Balenciaga Crocs?