Balenciaga Rodeo Bag - Get the Look for Less
Since its launch last year, it’s become an IT bag
Demna (who dropped his last name, Gvasalia, in 2021) has been the creative director of Balenciaga since 2015. Until 2019, he and his brother Guram ran Vetements, but Demna left that brand to concentrate on Balenciaga. He supercharged the luxury label. Taking it from height to height. That is, until a poorly conceived holiday ad campaign turned many fans away. The hashtag #CancelBalenciaga trended across social media due to the campaign featuring children clutching teddy bears, wearing harnesses, punk wear, and often standing near books or documents on child pornography. Yeah, it was pretty bad. It took a few years and a lot of work before anyone thought kindly of the brand.
Then, in February 2024, Balenciaga unleashed the Rodeo bag. It became one of the most coveted bags of the year. To this day, people sigh over it. They lust over it. Named after Rodeo Drive, the smooth calfskin bag comes in three sizes: large (40cm), medium (35 cm), and mini (24cm). Balenciaga’s Rodeo bag comes in black, beige, brown, almond, pine green, and burgundy calfskin leather. There’s a mini rhinestone version (black and silver) and an ostrich-embossed and croco-embossed version. For winter, you can tote a suede and shearling version for only $5290. Balenciaga’s Rodeo bags can go for $17900 for the rhinestone version.
Balenciaga Small handbags
From left to right: Rodeo Small Handbag -black, Rodeo Small Handbag – almond, Rodeo Small Handbag Used Effect With One Charm. Prices range from $3450 to $4600.
Balenciaga Rodeo medium croc-effect leather bag
Nice and roomy, it’s $4690 at Net-A-Porter.
As yummy as the Balenciaga Rodeo bag is, it’s also, ahem, pricey. If you want to road-test the bag before you buy the real thing or don’t want to spend that much dosh on a bag, below are delicious style twins for you to peruse.
Looks for Less
LWSIBCM Top Handle Shoulder Bag
You can’t beat the price of this roomy and chic bag! It’s faux leather and can be hand-carried or worn as a shoulder bag. It’s 19cm and also comes in beige and black. For $42.30, you could get more than one color.
Generic Large Tote Bag
Do you need a large but nice-looking tote bag for work? One that can hold a laptop or diapers? Generic’s version is a good-sized 32cm and has four other color options. It’s $55.90 on Amazon.
JW Pei Lucia Classic Top Handbag
JW Pei’s Gabbi bag, a small curved bag with a scrunchy strap, became a social media and IRL hit in 2021. This vegan designer brand creates stylish, contemporary bags. Their Lucia is a top-handled bag that’s a cool riff on the Rodeo. This faux leather bag comes in a variety of eye-catching shades. Right now, it’s on sale for $84.15 on Amazon.
Steve Madden Alfee Bag
Buttery soft, and roomy inside, Steve Madden’s Alfee bag is a head turner. It has inside and outside pockets, and there’s even room for a book. It’s faux leather, has a removable chain shoulder strap, and a removable multi-colored bag charm. At 29cm, it’s big but not too big. Alfee also comes in white. It costs $129 online at Steve Madden.
Lemon Koko Tote Bag
Shiny moc-croc dresses up this Rodeo lookalike. It has divided compartments and a zippered pocket inside. This non-leather bag has a dangling key covered by a cloche. And it’s only $39.68 at SHEIN.