New designer handbag plays movies on the go
NEW YORK (Reuters Life!) - Women's handbags may be stuffed full with everything from shoes to cell phones, but a U.S. company has designed a bag that features the most essential item of all -- a DVD player.
The leather Multi Media Bag plays movies, digital photos and even PowerPoint presentations on a seven-inch liquid crystal display screen that sits on the front of the bag or can be stored safely inside.
"It is a cool, 'look at me' (item)," said Aneisha Howard, designer and founder of the Michigan-based company Bubble Gear.
Two small speakers sit on either side of the single-strap shoulder bag that also plays CDs and digital music files.
Howard, who runs the company with her husband, says she has sold 200-300 bags, which are available on the company's Web site for $495.
Customers can choose from a variety of colors or choose their own for a more custom look.
The bag includes headphones and a remote control. It also has pouches designed to hold all its gadgets, as well as items more typically found in purses such as makeup and a wallet.
"We try to do something a little unique, something that is a little trendy but you would want to use in a year from now," Howard said in an interview.
"We're always trying to merge some sort of technology with high fashion."
Beyond the cachet of owning something few others are likely to have, the purse is also useful for mothers with little ones.
"We've got three children and I take it when we go to the mall," said Howard. "It's been a lifesaver at the doctor's office...it's like a built-in baby-sitter."
Howard has teamed up with a designer in Rome who puts the purses together after she develops them. The idea for the Multi Media Bag was inspired by her eight-year-old daughter who wanted to be able to take the movie "Finding Nemo" everywhere with her.
If movies and music aren't enough for the tech-savvy, fashion-conscious woman, the ability to show PowerPoint presentations and photos offers endless possibilities for on-the-go self-advertisement.
