# Steampunk iPod Cases Neal Bridgens Gives His MP3 Player an Old-School Makeover By Tisah Tucknott | Published 2009-05-19 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/slick-ipod-cases-neal-bridgens-steampunk References: [cultofmac](http://cultofmac.com/remastered-steampunk-ipod-rocks/10875) & [bridgens](http://www.bridgens.ca/) Neal Bridgens, a Toronto-based retoucher and illustrator, has built a new steampunk [iPod](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tinypod) case from materials he had lying around the house. Created from scratch, this steampunk makeover made use of copper and brass scraps that were hand cut and filed to shape. Check out the gallery above to get a closer look at Neal Bridgen’s handiwork. **Implications** - The steampunk movement that has hit the design world like a tidal wave represents a consumer fascination for reversion. Ironically, the majority of pieces bearing this [vintage aesthetic are digital gadgets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vintageinspired-technology-tech-brand-kickbacks-discman-is-nostalgic), providing consumers with pieces that represent the old and the new simultaneously. Though steampunk may not be ideal for all industries, the concept of combining eras may be. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.0/10 - Popularity: 44% | Activity: 68% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Steampunk Aesthetics:** The trend of combining vintage and modern elements in design can be leveraged in various product lines and industries. - **Handcrafted Gadget Accessories:** Handcrafted gadget accessories like steampunk iPod cases offer consumers a unique and personalized way of protecting their devices. - **Upcycling and DIY Culture:** The upcycling trend can inspire more DIY projects, especially in the creation of accessories and home decor. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Consumer Electronics:** Consumer electronics can experiment with steampunk aesthetics to offer unique and personalized gadget accessories. - **Fashion and Accessories:** Fashion and accessory designers can create steampunk-inspired clothing and jewelry to cater to consumers who love the vintage-modern look. - **Home Decor and Furniture:** The DIY and upcycling trend can disrupt the home decor industry by inspiring consumers to create their own steampunk-inspired decor and furniture pieces. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Steampunk Desktop Appliances](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3in1-desk.md) - [Transparent Cyberpunk MP3 Players](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-device.md) - [Smartwatch-Turned Nostalgic Handheld](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tinypod.md) - [Baroque-Style Earbud Cases](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-case.md) - [Tech-Infused Analog Radios](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/retro-aesthetics-and-modern-technology.md) - [MP3 Player Smartphone Wallpapers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ipod-wallpapers.md) - [Nostalgic Timeless Click Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ipod-classic-fidget.md) - [Retrofuturistic Streaming Audio Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/diy-streaming-audio-player.md) - [Nostalgic Watch-Fitting Cases](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tinypod-1.md)