London, Oct 23 : Japanese folk have found a novel way to evade stalkers and muggers – an incredible cloth outfit which transforms from a skirt to a vending machine.

Designer Aya Tsukioka invented the strange skirt in a hope that it will reduce Japan’s increasing fear of crime.

The new creation blends into the background to dodge muggers lurking on Tokyo streets. The only way to spot the truth behind the machine is the pair of feet sticking out of the bottom.

Tsukioka says that the idea was inspired by a trick used by Japanese ninja assassins, who cloaked themselves in black blankets so they couldn't be seen at night.

“It is just easier for Japanese to hide. Making a scene would be too embarrassing,” The Sun quoted her, as saying.

Tsukioka’s other creations include a back-pack that looks like a fire hydrant and a manhole cover shoulder bag. (ANI)