Quirky designer bags inspired by Asian elements

When you see someone sporting a banana leaf clutch or a market bag as you walk down the street, don't be surprised.

While we have been using the leaves to wrap nasi lemak and the bags to stash our shopping hauls from Bangkok, these materials have become a fashion statement in the luxury market.

Here are some designer bags that have taken inspiration from everyday materials here.

BALENCIAGA

BAZAR SHOPPER TOTE

The ubiquitous market bags found in Bangkok often end up in the hands of tourists who overestimate the size of their luggage when out shopping.

Now, Balenciaga wants to put it in the hands of well-heeled shoppers.

The French luxury fashion house created the Bazar Shopper Tote, similar to the market bags, for its Fall Winter 2016/2017 collection, and the recent Spring Summer 2017 collection.

Buying Director of matchesfashion.com Natalie Kingham told The Telegraph UK: "It's a really iconic bag which is very tongue-in-cheek, taking an everyday product and making it feel luxurious."

The coveted bag costs about $1,730 for the small version, and $2,290 for the medium one.

Good luck trying to get one, though. A salesman at the Balenciaga outlet at Marina Bay Sands said the Bazar Shopper Totes were sold out.

COMME DES GARÇONS

TOTE BAG

Japanese fashion label COMME des GARÇONS made this signature paper bag-looking tote with a polyvinyl chloride exterior, which looks like something you wrap your chicken rice in.

It was sold out at the beginning of last year. It released the bag, which retailed for US$60 (S$85), again later that year to cope with the demand.

JEAN PAUL GAULTIER

'BANANA LEAF' CLUTCH

It has been six years since Jean Paul Gaultier gave the world a look at the "banana leaf" clutch at his Spring 2010 Collection show.

The quirky bag recently resurfaced, thanks to an article in Malaysia's World of Buzz.

One man’s treasure is another’s poison. Sure, it might not be appreciated by some, but I’d say to bring back the fun in fashion. Local fashion designer Max Tan

Local DJ Nic Shields tweeted: "When you're on your way to an awards night but you're craving nasi lemak."

Local fashion designer Max Tan, 32, told The New Paper that while the bag is "pretty interesting and surprising", one should not "be surprised considering that it came from l'enfant terrible himself".

He added: "One man's treasure is another's poison. Sure, it might not be appreciated by some, but I'd say to bring back the fun in fashion."

Another local fashion designer, Hayden Tan, 50, said: "I think to incorporate the designs onto accessories is fine, and it could be a beautiful thing to have banana prints on garments."