Amanda Bynes Faces Fan Backlash Over $218 Handmade Purse That Some Call a “Trash Bag”
Former Nickelodeon star Amanda Bynes, 40, is drawing sharp criticism from fans over the price and appearance of handmade purses she is selling through her fashion brand New York Speed. The controversy erupted after Bynes shared an Instagram video showcasing a black purse with purple trim and silver straps, listed at $218 on her website newyorkspeed.co.
The “Goth Bag” Sparks Mixed Reactions
Bynes captioned her Instagram post with the phrase “Play dead • the next bag drop • ★ newyorkspeed.co 𓅓 ★ ︎” and named the item the “goth bag.” According to the New York Speed website, the purse is currently sold out.
However, the design did not impress many commenters. Several fans questioned both the quality and the steep price point. One user wrote, “This whole thing confused me.. especially the website bc wdym this cost $218.” Another admitted, “I literally thought somebody was weighing something with a trash bag…”
“This is so cheap looking,” and “The stitching is shocking for a supposedly ‘high end’ bag,” were among the harshest critiques from followers.
Not All Feedback Was Negative
Despite the backlash, Bynes also received support from fans who appreciated the aesthetic. Comments such as “They are very beautiful Amanda. Good job “ and “Too many haters in these comments. I’m proud of you Amanda for creating and putting your purses out there” showed a divided audience.
Another fan praised the sparkle, writing, “Love the shimmerrrrr.”
Second Purse and Earlier Behind-the-Scenes Content
Beyond the goth bag, Bynes’ website currently lists another item called the “prince$$ bag,” crafted from sparkly pink fabric and also priced at $218. In July, Bynes posted a video on Instagram explaining she “wanted to show the process of working on these bags” and captioned it simply: “buy a bag $$$.”
What This Says About Celebrity-Led Fashion Brands
Bynes’ foray into fashion is part of a broader trend of celebrities launching their own lifestyle and apparel brands. However, the reaction to New York Speed’s debut highlights the challenges faced by celebrity-founded labels, particularly when pricing does not appear to align with perceived quality in the eyes of consumers.
The goth bag’s sold-out status suggests there is demand, but whether that demand will sustain the brand long-term remains to be seen. Fans’ comparisons to a trash bag underscore how quickly public perception can shift when a product’s aesthetic does not meet expectations at a $200-plus price point.
Looking Ahead
Bynes has indicated she plans to share more about her bag-making process in future posts. Whether she adjusts pricing, refines the designs, or expands the product line will likely determine whether New York Speed becomes a lasting brand or a short-lived experiment. For now, the conversation remains firmly in the realm of fan debate — and viral curiosity.
This story Amanda Bynes Called Out by Fans for Selling Pricey Handmade Purse That Looks Like a “Trash Bag” first appeared on InTouch Weekly. Follow InTouch Weekly on Yahoo so you don’t miss what’s coming next.
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