It was bound to happen, I mean how many crocodiles and ostrich birds do you think there are in the world? With so many new bag designers showing exotic bag collections, (like Alexandra Knight) supply was bound to run short. The price of Alligator skins have gone up 40% in the last two years but that has not slowed down the demand for this ultimate symbol of luxury bags and it has led to a game of heavy bidding wars amongst bag designers. Carlos Falchi, a designer who has been working with exotic skins for over three decades even bought his own crocodile farm in South America to ensure his suppy! Nancy Gonzalez's son Santiago operates his own crocodile farms as well and rarely has problems getting what he needs, no wonder their crocodile prices have stayed so reasonable! I really can't complain about this as I am as guilty as every other girl obsessed with exotic skin handbags which is driving the price hikes and supply lows.
Fred Distenfeld, owner of accessories firm LAI and an exotic skin manufacturer for more than 50 years, said brands such as Louis Vuitton, Hermès and Gucci all have secured their share of the market in the last eight years by buying and employing their own tanneries, some of which other designers once relied on. "These brands are the powerhouses of the luxury world and they have to make sure their supplies exist," Distenfeld said. "The problem is not in the skins themselves, but the quality for the people who want the best possible skins."
Whew, nice to hear Hermes has taken the proper steps to secure supply for crocodile birkins because I am still planning on treating myself to the Graphite Croc from Bag Snob income :) This will make it even more special because it will be paid for by my love of bags, great tale to pass on to the grandkids huh? But I have to admit I am greatly conflicted over this, a part of me wants to shout "Save the Crocodiles!" but another part of me is screaming "Go buy 2 or 3 before prices soar again!" I know, I know, I am totally hopeless. Another option is vintage, I actually have several vintage Hermes and lesser known designer crocs, they hold up amazingly well through time, those reptiles sure have tough skin!
Source: WWD
haha, great post. thanks for the info. i better go and grab one myself. do you suggest the Nancy Gonzales red croc in the post?
Oh my goodness, how could it cost even more than it does now?
I heard there is actually an over population problem of american alligators. It's on Alexandra Knight's website, it is the reason she said she started the line of alligator bags.
Since I am designing expensive exotic luxury goods, I can say that by us buying croc ostrich lizard python we are actually making sure these animal stays alive for million of years more, Florida has to many crocodiles in population, since now the trade of exotic skins are trace with a serial number, and where it comes from, so that the skin your buying is not an animal endanger, the more animals the more buyers of hides the more conservation and breeding of these animals,
But since we are talking about Bagsnob I can say that its all about the brand name and the design of the bag , and how it was stitched
I was screaming save the crocodile months ago on your site and bitching about the ubiquitous alligator bags losing their luxury appeal. Now these anaconda bags are really creeping me out. I know I love fashion more than the next person, but I'd like to share the planet with animals more endangered than the American conspicuous consumer.
Nancy Gonzalez Croc. in Red is really a beautiful bag. The tote is my favorite. The bronze color is very good looking too.
Niemans in Palm Beach has a great selection of Nancy Gonzalez..............