If I Can't Spend It, Then Maybe I'll Wear It

Origami Dollar Bill Dress by Polo Productions

In 1923, five years after the end of World War I, German women began burning money to keep their homes warm. Why, you ask? Simple. At the time, hyperinflation was causing fuel prices to skyrocket and dollar values to plummet, creating a market in which burning money was more cost effective than spending it.

Photo: ksnap

Where am I going with this? Once again, simple. This past week, with the U.S. financial crisis turning retirement funds into mud baths the demand for Pepto Bismal going through the roof, I was thinking it might be smarter to weave those dollar bills into something slightly more fashionable than trying to save them for a rainy day. I know, I know. We're all supposed to remain calm while Wall Street gets it's head out of it's ass. Well, I'm not so sure there's any happy ending in sight, at least not anytime soon.

So, to make myself feel better, maybe I'll play dress up with my money. And I'm not talking about blowing ten grand on a shopping spree with the Olsen twins. Try a few of these on for size ;)

One Dollar Dress by 770

Money Dress worn by Katie Derham of ITV

Money Dress at The Victoria and Albert Museum

Dollar Silk Scarf by Moschino

Money Dress in Palm Springs boutique

Money Dress by Christian Joy

Photo by Dusti Cunningham

Dollar Bill Suit at the Millionaire Fair in Moscow

Jeremy Scott, Fall 2008

Money Earrings by Original Bliss