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Balenciaga launch a £1.6k tote bag which looks just like a 40p IKEA shopping bag

First the laundry holdall, then the life jacket vest, and now this...

IF you're looking for cheap and easy-to-assemble furniture, Ikea is the store for you - but a fashion statement handbag? Not so much.

However, that hasn't deterred French designer brand Balenciaga from launching a tote which looks suspiciously like the Swedish chain's iconic blue .

Balenciaga's new £1,670 tote bag looks remarkably familiar
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Balenciaga's new £1,670 tote bag looks remarkably familiarCredit: Balenciaga
It's the spitting image of this 40p bag from Ikea
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It's the spitting image of this 40p bag from IkeaCredit: IKEA

It has a very similar shape, size and colour to the 40p Ikea staple - which many of you will already have at home. It even has the same double handles.

On the surface, the only real differences are that Balenciaga have opted not to use Ikea's logo on the handle (a smart move, I'm sure you'll agree)... and their enormous price tag.

Because why spend just 40p when you can fork out instead?

At first glance, the main difference is the lack of Ikea logo - and the enormous price tag
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At first glance, the main difference is the lack of Ikea logo - and the enormous price tagCredit: Balenciaga
Most people use their Ikea bags to lug round dirty laundry and other household items, so the inspiration does seem a little odd
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Most people use their Ikea bags to lug round dirty laundry and other household items, so the inspiration does seem a little oddCredit: IKEA

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However, Balenciaga's bag does come with a zip... a luxury most Ikea shoppers are not accustomed to
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However, Balenciaga's bag does come with a zip... a luxury most Ikea shoppers are not accustomed toCredit: Balenciaga

For £1,600 you could probably deck out your entire flat - and never have to venture to Ikea again - but then you'd miss out on their delicious meatballs, and the opportunity to own this high-end shopping bag.

Unlike Ikea's foldable version, Balenciaga's Arena Extra-Large Shopper Tote Bag is made from blue, wrinkled, glazed leather.

It also zips shut at the top, a luxury Ikea fans have not yet experienced from the Frakta bag.

The Swedish furniture store are taking the comparisons in their stride.

Speaking to , a spokesman said: “We are deeply flattered that the Balenciaga tote bag resembles the Ikea iconic sustainable blue bag. Nothing beats the versatility of a great big blue bag!”

Twitter users have been pretty amused with Balenciaga's latest design, but it's not the first time they've taken inspiration from an unusual source.

In recent months, they've launched a £1,595 vest which looks like a life jacket, a £2,325 tote which looks like a blanket bag, and a £1,000 bag which looks like a laundry carrier.

However, if you're still desperate to get your hands on a Balenciaga bag, we've tracked down a £30 lookalike version from Simply Be.

In other Ikea news, their most in-demand items have been revealed... and no, the Frakta bag isn't on the list.

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