In the midst of all the financial worry, the one staple in the luxury markets is exotic bags. This is not surprising, you've heard our exhaustive rhetoric, "invest in exotic" and "invest in classic", and that is exactly what luxury buyers are doing. The uber trendy seasonal throw away bags, even if they are less expensive, seem especially silly now because they are a 
waste of money. According to a story on CNBC, exotic bag sales are on the rise, or at least staying the same as last year. In times of economic crisis, people tend to become more conservative and less showy and vulgar in their style. A nice crocodile bag is timeless and shows good taste. Says David Wolfe, a trend forecaster at the Doneger Group in New York.,
"They're looking for things that maybe have fewer details and gimmicks but [with] recognizable quality. The exotic skins certainly deliver that. Anybody who looks at those bags knows that they're pricey."Hello, that is what we've always said! Did this guy properly credit us for that quote or what? Brands like Bottega Veneta and Nancy Gonzalez have been reaping the rewards of their logo-free, tasteful looks. Our good friend Santiago sums it up in the CNBC article with this,
"People will not downgrade," Gonzalez says. "They're not going to buy a less-expensive brand of bag. They're not going to buy a Zara jacket if they were wearing Chanel before--they're going to buy five Chanel jackets instead of 10."Don't be afraid of this crisis girls, shop smart and we're going to get through this just fine.
Quality is always better over quantity!!
Kelly, I'm afraid as of today.....and I hope you are right!
Oh Kelly I AM SOOO UPSET! I have been saving to buy a chanel classic medium flap in lambskin all year, it was 1,300 pounds, so finally im almost there and I call Chanel in London today to ask for it, and guess what!!! The price went up on the 1st! Its now 1,500 and some more. At this rate I dnt think I'll ever own one cause by december when I have enough it might go up again! And Im too scared to buy on ebay :(
Mimi - here is the good news if you live in the US. Early in the year the exchange rate was 2$ to the british pound - so the bag was $2600. The pound has now fallen to $1.70 so even WITH the price hike its only $2550 in dollars. Its actually CHEAPER now!
Mimi - here is the good news if you live in the US. Early in the year the exchange rate was 2$ to the british pound - so the bag was $2600. The pound has now fallen to $1.70 so even WITH the price hike its only $2550 in dollars. Its actually CHEAPER now!
Really? Thanks for that K..I live in Europe doe but will see if I can get it from the states!!! Awwh tanxs! and thanks Kelly!
Dear Mimi,
That is quite upsetting. I know Chanel keeps raising their prices but I suspect this will come to a slower pace in this climate. Do not buy on ebay! But think of it this way, if Chanel is able to continue their price hikes, it means that they can which means it is still a good purchase. I know is sounds irrational but it does in fact make sense.
Love, Kelly
Yes,this is what I too have been thinking. Only buy good quality,less now when the economics is what it is. The same goes with everything else too: Cars,furniture,clothes,jewels,etc...I know I´ve spent way too much on bags during the past year (thank you Bag snobs), but now I have a very nice collection in very nice exotics for the most, and I know I´ll survive this hectic time.
I don't care for all this financial business junk.
I'll be shopping, and working until I am dead, so there is no need for me to limit myself, or buy less.
Ah, the life of a single, childless material girl. =]
I love exotic skin bags.
I also have a love of exotic skin shoes, especially boots.
Anyone remember the anaconda boots that Gucci did awhile back? I do. I'd love to have an anaconda purse. Maybe Zagiliani or however you spell it will make one with Botox? What a visual delight!
Oh and Tina, does Yves Saint Laurent make any crocodile bags?
I do not have your fashion insight, and I am curious to know, so any help would be greatly appreciated.
Hi Jacqueline,
I love your attitude! That is how I feel, except I'm married with a child... but I figure as long as I can work I can buy what I want!
And yes-- YSL does have crocodile bags!
Last year they released the amazing Uptown bag in crocodile...
call Giovanni- my YSL SA at 972-629-1700 ext 2037
xoxo
Chanel is going to increase prices by about 10% on classics before the end of the month. so, i am looking seriously for another classic.
Mimi- there are many SAs at Saks and Nordstroms that will ship internationally. They should have your bag in stock!
Serena, I dont think Saks nor Nords carry Chanel, not in my town anyway...Neimans, Bergdorf Goodman, YES.
The Beverly Hills Saks and the Topanga Canyon Nordstrom carry Chanel.
The Saks in Troy Michigan, St. Louis, New Orleans, NYC, LA, King of Prussia all carry Chanel. The Nordies in Seattle, Portland, and Topanga all carry it.
I used to be a fan of crocodile bags until the recession came =(