Product Idea: Fashionable Camera Bags

Due to the large decrease in prices for digital SLR cameras, there has been an increasing need for high-quality camera bags which hold extra lenses, bodies, flashes, and cleaning supplies. Conventional photography camera bag companies such Lowepro, Tamrac, and even more recently, Crumpler have been the mainstays of the photographer's equipment carryall; however, the current aesthetic screams photo nerd and would be horrendous fashion faux pas. More recently, trendy photographers have opted for slipons for each lens/flash/body and carried them in large messenger bags / purses; however, this is proves extremely difficult for lens swapping and overall functionality. Furthermore, current camera bags can be categorized in only a few categories: backpacks, shoulder bags, and slingpacks (rare). The functionality can be easily improved through camera-savvy industrial designers and even professional and amateur photographers. Thus, there is a natural need for fashion-friendly camera bags which provides both functionality and form, as many companies have done with laptop bags.

Market: There is an increasing niche market among SLR/DSLR owners. Logically, this would mean approximately one bag for every SLR/DSLR purchase.

Competition: Crumpler and Kodak "Fashion Series" (Womens) both of which are not very fashionable

Potential Expansion:
- Collaborations with High Fashion Brands [Prada, Armani, Dolce & Gabbana], Streetwear Brands [Headporter, Puma], Purse Brands [Louis Vuitton, Coach, Dooney & Bourke], Backpack Brands [Vitronix, Jansport, Eastsport]
- Upon brand establishment, emergence in mainstream camera bag (point and shoot digital cameras) and fashion bag businesses.
- Experimentation with different forms to improve functionality, integrate with human behavior, and create new aesthetics.

Other thoughts:
- Non-traditional materials [tarp, tire rubber, recycled material] will provide brand identity, lower costs, and is part of an increasing trend in hipster/ecofriendly circles.