# Paper Bag Couture Grocery Sacks Become Gorgeous Gowns in Hands of Design Students By Elsa Blaine | Published 2009-03-21 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paper-bag-couture-grocery-sacks-become-gorgeous-gowns-in-hands-of-design-st References: [stylebubble](http://www.stylebubble.co.uk/style_bubble/2009/03/brown-paper-packages-tied-up-in-string.html) Would you believe these stunning dresses are made from brown paper bags? That’s right; placed in the hands of creative designers, [recycled grocery bags](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/freitag-x-tudes-studio) can be transformed into gorgeous gowns that perhaps are not so functional, but look beautiful nonetheless. While fashion blogger Susie Bubble was giving a presentation at UCA Epson she spotted these dresses in the front window of the [University for Creative Arts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zeidler-architecture) in the UK. Thanks to Susie for having her camera handy and thanks for sharing! You have to love the [layers and ruffles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fragmenti) the students managed to form from the lowly paper bag material. I wonder what they used to finish off the dresses, as some of them look like they could be made of bronze or leather. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.0/10 - Popularity: 73% | Activity: 68% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Sustainable Fashion:** There is an opportunity for designers to explore using unconventional materials, such as recycled grocery bags, to create sustainable and eco-friendly clothing. - **Upcycling:** The trend of upcycling can be applied to the fashion industry, allowing designers to transform discarded materials into unique and stylish garments. - **Creative Material Innovation:** Design students are showcasing their creativity by pushing the boundaries of traditional materials and finding innovative uses for everyday items. ### Where This Applies - **Fashion:** The fashion industry has an opportunity to embrace sustainable practices and experiment with unconventional materials, offering unique and eco-friendly clothing options to consumers. - **Education:** Design schools and institutions can incorporate sustainable design principles into their curriculum, inspiring students to think creatively and find innovative solutions for materials and resources. - **Art and Design Exhibitions:** Art galleries and design exhibitions can showcase the work of emerging designers who are pushing boundaries and exploring new possibilities in materials and fashion. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Grocery Bag Runway Accessory](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/march-packable-tote-bag.md) - [Reimagined Sleek Paper Bags](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/muji-labo.md) - [Couture Ketchup Dresses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/la-robe-ketchup.md) - [Potato Sack Couture Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/haute-potato-collection.md) - [Upcycled Napkin Cargo Pants](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chipotle-napkin-cargo-pants.md) - [Bespoke Bakery-Inspired Bags](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/croissant-bag.md) - [Crumpled Chip Bag-Resembling Wallets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chip-bag-purse.md) - [Sustainably-Focused Experimental Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/upcycled-fashion-collection.md) - [Fashion House Chip Bags](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chip-bag-1.md)