Chinese actress Zhang Jingyi recently became a hot topic online after photos of her appearance at the Beijing International Film Festival 2025 resurfaced on social media.
However, the buzz was not about her outfit. Instead, netizens were fixated on an unusual accessory she carried while walking the red carpet — a simple yellow plastic bag.
Images of the 26-year-old holding what appeared to be an everyday plastic bag quickly spread online, prompting speculation that it might actually be a designer item from luxury fashion house Balenciaga. Some online users even claimed the bag could be worth as much as US$1,790 (around RM8,400).
The speculation gained traction partly because the brand has a reputation for releasing unconventional designs. In the past, Balenciaga drew attention for launching accessories resembling trash bags, albeit made from calfskin leather and sold at premium prices.
Despite the rumours, the viral claim was later debunked. The bag carried by Zhang was simply a regular plastic bag.
The actress reportedly brought the bag as a symbolic reference to her role in the film The One. In the movie, a yellow plastic bag is used as a meaningful communication tool between Zhang’s character and her hearing-impaired parents.
Even after the explanation surfaced, the internet continued to react with mixed opinions about the unusual red carpet accessory. One comment joked, “Was she going to pick up trash after she was done with the red carpet?”
