KUALA LUMPUR: Who would have thought that the humble 'beg toto', that generic zip up plastic bag which blankets and bed sheets are usually sold in, would make an appearance on the runways of Milan?
Malaysian social media users were amused to no end today when images of international fashion models carrying the familiar-looking bags appeared on Facebook.
The images were said to be from fashion house Balenciaga's upcoming Spring/ Summer 2017 collection.
The 'selimut toto' is a must-have purchase for many who visit the markets of Bukit Kayu Hitam, the shopping haven border town between Malaysia and Thailand. It is not unusual to see 'makciks' and families hauling their various 'beg toto' complete with blankets and bedsheets inside after a successful day of shopping.
The comparison between Balenciaga's item and the ubiquitous Malaysian household ware was certainly not lost on local fashion designer Rizalman Ibrahim, who shared the images with his followers on Instagram.
"If you happen to buy the 'selimut toto' at Bukit Kayu Hitam, don't throw away the bags as it will be the hot new trend next year. Pack the blanket inside as well!", he quipped.
His remarks drew reaction from fans, who proceeded to share pictures of their respective 'beg toto'.
"Looks like my trip to Padang Besar wasn't wasted!" wrote one user while sharing an image of her bag, packed with a bedspread set inside.
"Here's mine. What colour are you all using tomorrow?" wrote one netizen, while proudly showing her quilt bag with Narita emblazoned on the side, and the words 'King-size set' stamped on.
This isn't the first time Balenciaga has courted amusement from its bag range. In March this year, designer Demna Gvasalia's debut collection for Balenciaga featured an oversized rainbow-coloured bag.
However, Thais were quick to point out that the luxury bags bore more than a passing resemblance to their traditional market bags, used by housewives and tourists to store their purchases.
Thailand's Department of Intellectual Property later diffused the situation by saying that it's unlikely that anyone can sue Balenciaga "because the materials and shapes are different."