Paper inspired fashion’s been making a come back for some time now. Economy-conscious retail displays, photo shoot backdrops, ad campaigns and merchandise are collectively toying with the perception of luxury, fashion and mass consumption. This Comme des Garcons advertisement is a playful stab at paper’s short shelf life. The unconventional layout distorts the model, looks like trash and invites the viewer to laugh at the irony of the storyline.

Following a similar creative path, Craig McDean‘s Paper Bag Princess spread from the September ’09 issue of W Magazine pairs discarded shopping bags with beautifully disenchanted models for a bag-lady inspired layout. Everyone in the fashion world knows how important the shopping bag is, as a foil stamped logo paired with thick paper provides consumer acceptance and a way to prove you can afford what’s inside. The out-of-store foot traffic is priceless.

Mac Cosmetics is taking a similar route with their Pret a Papier campaign. The paper doll styling conveys natural flawlessness- a look that’s achievable regardless of your economic state. In celebration of Earth Day, the theme of conscious consumerism is revisited by Daniel Harvey in this Bloomingdales Soho window. The gown is exquisite, voluptuous and made of trash- nearly a 3D version of the Commes des Garcon campaign.

Tackling this topic from the other side, this DIY Chanel bag, shot by Tommy Ton of the infamous fashion blog, Jak & Jill, presents a playful take on the world’s most recognizable bag. The irony in the details is so well executed, chain and all, that this image nearly looks like a set up and part of Chanel’s lower priced line.

Rounding out the category, it’s only natural to include this Louis Vuitton bag. While it’s not paper, the material is as amusing at the $1,996 price tag.  The definition of luxury turned on it’s head.