Actress Zhang Jingyi has sparked heated debate online wth her unique red carpet accessory.
Zhang Jingyi | @zzhangjoy/Instagram
The discourse sprouted from pictures of Zhang carrying a yellow plastic bag while dolled up in a long black gown and a classic hair updo at the Beijing International Film Festival.
The actual moment took place in April last year, but has somehow resurfaced on social media, sparking some strong reactions. The look became controversial when claims surfaced that the bag was from Balenciaga and retailed at 1790 USD.
So my mom & me has been carrying a Balenciaga bag for years.😭 pic.twitter.com/PG6TdzeJ5o
— Sayali ✨💫 (@sayali_moonlove) March 10, 2026
I have a big Balenciaga bag with lots of other Balenciaga bags in it. 😏 https://t.co/mJwws28UMu
— ✪ (@TheRaajanyaa) March 11, 2026
This brand is a social experiment that keeps working. 😂😂😂 https://t.co/ZG1mqsMuBC
— MythMore (@mithmore) March 11, 2026
However, this viral claim was soon fact-checked by Chinese outlets, which revealed that the plastic bag Zhang carried was a regular nylon bag and carried symbolic meaning in her movie The One. She brought the bag on the red carpet as a subtle reference to her character in the film.
Poster of “The One”
The claims about the bag being sold by Balenciaga likely stemmed from the brand’s actual product called the “Trash Bag Large Pouch.” Though it’s shaped like an actual trash bag, the item is made of calfskin leather and retails for 1790 USD.
While Balenciaga is known for its controversial products, it turned out to be innocent in this fiasco.