My husband will attest that photography gear and handbags are my top two spending vices, so imagine my utter glee about trying out some stunning camera bags made especially for women!
The timing was great as I had just indulged in a camera purchase and was so eager to get out and about with it. There was one slight problem; my ancient camera bag from the 1990s just wasn’t cutting it anymore. I’ve moved on from student style and like my everyday handbags, wanted my camera bag to reflect my personal style. Let’s just say my photography activities will never be the same again; Epiphanie bags, which we mentioned briefly in January 2011, are made for women - women with babies and children even.
This is clearly a company which understands its people – women need stuff, women need to carry this stuff and women want to look stylish while carrying it. A man bag is simply not going to cut it for us Gen X and Gen Y ladies. I was thrilled to try out the Clover in grey (above) and the Lyric in plum.
The Clover bag is like a tardis – it held my huge SLR, its comparably large lens and flash, as well as a bunch of baby gear – drink bottle, nappies and wipes. My purse slotted in nicely too. It has both medium-length handles and a long shoulder strap so you’re never left wondering how to hold it in different situations. I thought the hot pink lining was a bold touch and the colour made everything easy to see.
Clover is a structured bag that sit up straight when it rests on the floor. It’s a sturdy offsider made to hold both a laptop and your camera equipment, and really enjoyable to use on a long daytrip. I could easily depend on the Clover to see me through press events, store openings and business meetings. It’s $184.99 plus shipping at Epiphanie and comes in six lush colours you just have to check out.
The Lyric is Clover’s relaxed bohemian cousin; less structured, divinely slouchy, this one takes a more casual approach to storing your camera in style. It also has an iPad-sized external pocket and three velcro panels to move around to suit your camera gear. Note the gorgeous black camera adornment that comes with all Epiphanie bags. It’s a neat bit of bling for your bag!
Lyric also held my photography kit of an SLR, large lens and flash, leaving the external pocket to store nappies and wipes. Two handy pockets on the front will accommodate bits and bobs for baby, a set of keys and a small purse. Choose from four colours in this model which has two removable straps – one more padded than the other and both cross-body style. This is the one I’d take to the park or on a quick outing with the family. It has lighter padding than the Clover, which is perfect for those quick trips when you require less gear and want your bag to mould to your body. With more and more people becoming interested in capturing their families on camera and access to high-end equipment getting more affordable, it really pays to store your investment well. We love that Epiphanie bags aren’t obvious camera bags, yet hold their own as stylish handbags. I’ve given my old uni bag the flick and don’t miss it a bit! The Lyric is US$154.99 from Epiphanie. You must see the other styles as well – Ginger, Lola, Stella, Paris and Belle – there’s bound to be one for you.
