Balmain drops the ball on its handbag collection

For all their drool-worthy blazers, jeans and shoes, Balmain really dropped the ball when it came to their introductory line of handbags. For a brand that is all about edge, we were expecting something waaaay edgier than this:

Net-a-Porter offers three Balmain handbag styles: the Balmain Leo Swarovski crystal bag, Balmain original leather fringed bag and the Balmain punk suede studded bag, and all of them are pretty pathetic. The first two are simple flap messenger styles, the third - a ‘fringed’ flap messenger. There’s nothing innovative about the styles, trims, designs - nothing! A bit of studs thrown here and there, some sparse fringe trim, that’s all. Who knew Balmain could disappoint? Guess no one’s perfect.