The Truth Behind the $13,000 "Cardboard Dress": How a Luxury Scam Spread on Social Media

Fake Image Spreads as If It Were a Real Product

Brand's Track Record Fuels Misunderstandings

Even Composite Images Featuring Famous Actors Appear

An image of the so-called "cardboard dress," which drew attention online as a product from the French luxury brand Balenciaga, has been confirmed to be a fake generated by artificial intelligence (AI).

On April 12, 2026 (local time), the Times of India reported that the widely circulated photos of the dress on social media were not from an actual collection but were AI-generated composite images. In particular, images staged as if Megan Fox and Robert Pattinson were wearing the outfits spread widely, leading to misunderstandings that these were actual runway scenes. Claims that this dress was priced at $8,900 (approximately 13 million KRW) gained trust but were all found to be false.

Images staged to make it look like Megan Fox and Robert Pattinson wore the outfit spread widely, leading to mistaken beliefs that they were actual runway moments. Claims that the dress was priced at $8,900 (about 13 million won) added credibility, but it was all revealed to be false. Social media

Analysts say that the rapid spread of this misinformation was largely influenced by Balenciaga's track record with previous products. Over the years, Balenciaga has sparked both controversy and attention by turning everyday items into fashion pieces, such as pay-as-you-throw garbage bags, snack wrappers, tumblers, and even bags reminiscent of potato chips. The brand has also introduced bold items like bracelets resembling transparent tape and bags designed to look like trash bags, raising questions such as "Where is the line for luxury goods?" Due to these precedents, many people mistook the cardboard dress for a real product as well.

Balenciaga has remained at the center of controversy in recent years for its provocative designs. In 2024, the brand attracted attention by releasing intentionally torn stockings. Despite a price tag of about 2 million KRW, the product drew significant interest, especially after Katy Perry wore it on the Paris runway, bringing even more attention. At that time, she made a strong impression with a "pantsless look" that did not include a top.

Balenciaga has been at the center of controversy over the past few years due to its radical designs. In 2021, the brand faced criticism for releasing a 'Destroyed Sweater' featuring holes and a worn-out look, and it also launched a clutch bag shaped like a potato chip. Balenciaga

In 2022, Balenciaga released a limited-edition sneaker designed to look deliberately worn and dirty, priced at over 2 million KRW. In 2021, the brand faced criticism for launching the "Destroyed Sweater," which featured holes and frayed details. At that time, the brand explained that it was "an expression of the future of clothing as it transforms over time."

This case also demonstrates how easily fake content that is difficult to distinguish from reality can spread as AI technology advances. In particular, when a luxury brand has already established a "provocative image," it creates an environment where consumers are more likely to believe what they see without verifying its authenticity. This highlights the increasing importance of consumers' ability to discern indiscriminate information encountered on social media in the future.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.