- The upcoming Adidas x Gucci collab includes a $1,290 umbrella that won't protect you from the rain.
- Pictures of it have gone viral in China, where it is priced even higher at 11,100 yuan ($1,600).
- It has "good collector's value and is suitable for use as a daily accessory," Gucci told Caijing.
One of the most-talked about items in the upcoming Adidas x Gucci collaboration is a $1,290 umbrella — and it's not even waterproof.
"Please note, this item is not waterproof and is meant for sun protection or decorative use," according to the product details on its website.
Featuring a G-shaped handle and a print design combining the logos of both brands, the "sun umbrella" has sparked wide debate on social media in China since pictures of it went online last week. The Adidas x Gucci collection is expected to be released on June 7.
Many users were appalled that the item — which retails for an even higher price of 11,100 yuan ($1,600) in China — was not functional despite the high price.
On the Twitter-like platform Weibo, the hashtag "11,100 yuan umbrella collab is not waterproof" drew more than 140 million views this week.
"As long as I'm poor, they won't be able to trick me into paying for this," one Weibo user commented.
"That's a very big but useless fashion statement," another user wrote.
A Gucci customer service representative told Beijing magazine Caijing that the item is "not recommended for use as an everyday umbrella." It has "good collector's value and is suitable for use as a daily accessory," the representative added.
There is strong demand for luxury products in China, which is on track to become the world's largest luxury market by 2025, according to research by consultancy Bain & Company.
Gucci and Adidas did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment.