It takes a keen eye to spot an overlooked style opportunity -- a seemingly mundane object that might be transformed into a fabulous garment or accessory (picture gold shoelaces circa third grade or, on the other end of the spectrum, Louis Vuitton iPad covers).
Sarah Frances Kuhn, former accessories editor of Teen Vogue, is one such trend-setter. "I used my camera every day for market appointments," she says. "One day, my strap broke, so I made a new one; Soon enough people were asking me where to get one!"
Made entirely by hand in Kuhn's Brooklyn studio, the designer strings colorful ribbons and strands of leather through heavy brass chains. The fanciful straps make an instant statement slung over the shoulder or worn about the neck.
Naturally, bigger brands have begun taking notice of Kuhn's stylish straps: This summer, a collaboration with Loomstate and Rogan yielded spectacular woven wool creations.
"They turned out so great," she says. "I worked closely with Rogan and Loomstate on that project. We came up with something unique by using salvaged materials such as denim, Mexican blankets and rope. The chain we chose was heavier and more industrial."
Slowly but surely, Kuhn hopes to make generic brand camera straps a thing of the past. "I just want to see everyone that has a camera -- whether they are a serious photographer or not -- sporting an SFK. Down with generic straps!"
