19-7-2024 (RIYADH) Saudi Arabia has witnessed the emergence of a peculiar luxury item that has set social media abuzz. A pair of sandals, bearing an uncanny resemblance to humble household slippers familiar to many in Southeast Asia, has become the talk of the town – not for its design, but for its eye-watering price tag of 4,500 Riyals (approximately S$1,600).
The viral sensation began when Instagram account Kuwaitinside shared a video on 15 July, showcasing the extravagant unveiling of these sandals. In a scene more befitting of a rare jewel, a salesperson donning black gloves dramatically revealed the footwear from within a glass box. The theatrical presentation included a meticulous examination of the sandals, ostensibly to highlight their quality and durability.
متداول:
احدث صيحات الموضة “زنوبة” بسعر 4500 ريال ????!
#حمد_العنزي pic.twitter.com/Djc3pe7XBz
— ترند (@trndkw__) July 8, 2024
These luxury items, available in three colour combinations – white and blue, white and red, and white and green – have sparked a mix of amusement and disbelief among netizens. Many were quick to point out the sandals’ striking similarity to inexpensive, everyday footwear common in various parts of Asia.
One Instagram user humorously remarked, “We use these sandals in India while going to the toilet,” while another from Indonesia noted that such footwear is typically “very cheap” and often sold by street vendors. The irony of transforming a humble household item into a luxury good has not been lost on the online community.
Interestingly, several commenters shared that in their households, these types of sandals serve purposes beyond mere footwear. One user quipped about mothers using them when “really annoyed” with their children’s behaviour, while another sheepishly admitted, “My mum’s favourite weapon against me,” hinting at the sandals’ occasional use as an improvised disciplinary tool.
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