What's the difference between a paper bag and luxury designer Balenciaga's latest product?

Aside from the price and the materials, apparently not much else.

In the latest development of what appears to be a trend, the high-end fashion brand is selling a tote bag that closely resembles a paper bag, for US$1,100(S$1,530).

Instead of paper however, the pricey product is made of high-priced calfskin, TIME reported. It also comes with Nappa leather handles, silver hardware, and many zippers and pockets. As a final touch, the word BALENCIAGA is branded on the bag in the label's signature font.

The bag's designer, Demna Gvasalia, wanted to appeal to a younger audience with the bag, which was sold out as of Thursday (June 22) night.

Balenciaga has a recent history of creating bags which resemble their cheaper counterparts in mainstream markets.

It made headlines in April this year for its Arena extra-large shopper tote, which looked very similar to Ikea's Frakta shopping bag - the former costing about 2,000 times more than the latter.

The French brand has in the past also sold a lambskin Blanket Square bag which looks like the PVC bags used to house thick, floral-patterned blankets, and a Bazar Shopper Tote which is a leather version of large market bags commonly seen at street markets.