Definitely do not like this.
It seems to be almost a joke on the Bal customers--holes instead of the studs? I can't see from the pics but what about the closure, is the zipper going to still be there since the front pocket w/zipper was removed? And I can't see the laces on the handles, though they could still be there, just in the shadow. Also, this stripped down bag could be a counterfeiter's dream.
This comment is helping me articulate to myself WHY I don't like it. Holes instead of studs almost seems . . . mocking. In the classic moto bag, the studs, while perhaps not NECESSARY for the construction of the bag, at least LOOK like they are - they look like they're holding the bag together, and therefore aren't completely superfluous. The classic bags appeal to me because they look so UN-fussy. They look a little rough. They're made of luxurious leather, but they're held together by rough-looking motorcycle-style studs, buckles, and zippers. It's a perfect balance, and a juxtaposition that really works. It's a motorcycle bag, but it's small and refined enough for use as a handbag. It looks cool and unpretentious.
This bag - this no-hardware bag - it just looks pointless. It doesn't look like a motorcycle bag, which, for me personally, takes away the whole reason to wear a Balenciaga (as opposed to any other high-quality leather bag). The PLACEMENT of the studs itself (with no studs actually there) is not aesthetically appealing enough on its own, for me. It looks conspicuous. There's no PRACTICAL REASON for holes without studs, know what I mean? So in that sense, this bag, while plain, is not "minimalist" to me. It's a bag that has a lot of pointless detailing. It has the outline of a zipper but no zipper. True minimalism strips away that which is not necessary. This bag seems to have taken necessary things AWAY and added things that serve no purpose other than to REMIND US OF the detailing of the motorcycle bag. For me, I'd rather just go ahead and carry a moto bag . . . or not. If I want a sleek, minimalist leather bag, there are other options out there (other styles; other brands). This bag seems like brand-loyalty taken to an absurd extreme -- a bag that is lacking all of the characteristics of the brand, but still fits the pattern ENOUGH to intrigue collectors?
I don't know. It certainly has made me think about it a lot, and for that, it definitely achieves something artistically. Sometimes, that IS the point of a design, and I can appreciate that. But there's absolutely no reason for me to purchase or carry this bag, if we're just looking at it as a purse or an accessory. Two different ways of evaluating fashion.
Damnit, I better stop talking about this stupid bag before I start liking it. LMAO.