We Pick Through the Heap to Find the Runway’s Filthiest Inspirations

We know designers adore taking their inspiration from the street, but we never imagined that they'd do it so literally. For the spring collections, the likes of Margiela and Westwood drew inspiration from trash bags, Dixie Cups, post-its and cellophane to put an avant-garde spin on garbage chic. Okay, so it's a little zany, but we're kind of digging this sartorial version of recycling. And while we wouldn't resort to putting a bag over our heads, we might just consider trying on those paper-bag Margiela boots.

We've heard of brown-bagging your booze, but we've never thought of doing it to your hooves.

Above, from left: Margiela spring '10, image from Style.com; Brown Paper Bag, image from RE3.org's Flickr.

Both made our eyes open a little wider.

Above, from left: Bruno Pieters spring '10, image from Style.com; Coffee Grounds, image from eHow.

Duds for the bag lady in your life.

Above, from left: Tao spring '10, image from Style.com; Plastic Bags, image from ABC News Australia.

You've already got some snacks stashed away in your purse. Why not wear it as your purse?

Above, from left: Margiela spring '10, image from Style.com; Lays Potato Chips, image from Gaming Gutter.

We call this look, "Wallpapering Gone Awry."

Above, from left: Jil Sander spring '10, image from Style.com; Paper Scraps, image from Lost and Taken.

Instead of the Caped Crusader, you can be the Plastic-Wrap Protector!

Above, from left: Vivienne Westwood spring '10, image from Style.com; Cellophane, image from Buyrite.

Make sure to pair your Margiela Dixie Cup dress with matching briefs. We don't want to be pegged as that kind of disposable cup, now do we?

Above, from left: Margiela spring '10, image from Style.com; Ceramic "Dixie" Cups, image from LaRive.

Avoid wearing your V&R ruff with the Pieters coffee grounds dress—the look might get a little too caffeinated.

Above, from left: Viktor & Rolf spring '10, image from Style.com; Coffee Filters, image from Coffee Makers Etc.

This dress would be sure to wipe the bored look off anyone's face. What. Too crass?

Above, from left: Anne Valérie Hash spring '10, image from Style.com; Toilet Paper Roll, image from FSUDDS.com.

Don't ever go without a place to jot down your notes ever again!

Above, from left: Margiela spring '10, image from Style.com; Post-it Notes, image from Staples.