Ever wonder what happens to suitcases that go missing at airports?

Well the contents of some will go on display at Eco Age, in Chiswick, after a pair of green-minded designers snapped up the pieces of lost luggage and transformed it into art.

The creations by Orsola de Castro, founder of recycled fashion label From Somewhere, and John Teall, graduate of the Chelsea Art Collage and interior and furniture designer, will form part of the Reclaim exhibition, held at the shop, in Chiswick High Road.

The abandoned Heathrow suitcases were snapped up at an auction and the pair then set about creating one-off masterpieces by customising the items.

Mr Teall said: “When Orsola and I first met with the bags, which we bought back from the auction house, it was a very strange mix of emotions all round.

“In many ways it felt intrusive and almost illegal to be prying through the belongings of someone else.

“There were moments of disgust as we came across dirty underwear, and unwashed socks, yet also moments of excitement as we came across beautiful pieces of fabric and costume jewellery.”

A unique bedspread made from the entire contents of one of the unclaimed bags and a one-of-a-kind wedding dress will be among the creations on show at Eco Age, founded by actor Colin Firth, his wife Livia, brother-in-law Nicola Giuggioli and friend Ivo Coulson.

Mr Giuggioli, chief executive officer of Eco Age, said: “ When we were thinking of how to create a project that could represent Eco and its different activities at the London Design Festival the association of John's and Orsola's work came as a natural answer of our aim - to show how fashion, design, and creativity are the key to drastically changing the consumers perception towards green and sustainable products.

“I wonder about what would happen if the actual owner of one of those suitcases showed up at the shop and recognised his or her belongings in the new creations… I hope I will have the chance to see the reaction.”

The designs were created to celebrate the London Design Festival.

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Reclaim will run until Sunday.