Recently in Exotics Category

I love hairy crab season in Shang hai-- it's the most delicious crab! When I saw this fringed hobo from Carlos Falchi it reminded me of the belly side of hairy crabs-- cooked to a pink perfection. Lift up the belly and you'll discover sumptuous crab roe covering the most succulent flesh (female hairy crab is preferred)-- dip it in malt vinegar and experience gastronomic explosion! Once I came out of my daydream, I took a hard look at this bag in all its horrific glory and lost my appetite. In all fairness I will go in person tomorrow to inspect if up close but I just don't see the appeal of a hairy crab of a bag, even it's made of crocodile and python (my two favorite skins!).

I read that Carlos Falchi will be doing an affordable line of bags for Target-- even at $19.99 I wouldn't use this except maybe as a crab carrier. $2,675 at Neiman Marcus.

What do you think??? Snob or Slob?

The perfect color for the season and the price is right for an exotic. Need I say more? Everyone is looking for a white clutch for the summer but who wants to plunk down a grand or more for something you need a few times over the course of 3 months? But this very lovely clutch, simple with dark wood detail, can actually make an annual appearance for years to come. And it is ostrich! It doesn't have the quill bumps all over, thus the nice price, but I like that the composition of texture and non-texture is made into a feature. Each one will be slightly different but the placement is specific, not random so each will be uniquely yours. The character, the ease, the cool, the versatility and a slight edge - all for $395 at Barneys New York. Might go on sale but you better act fast (or at least beat me to it!!).

Why choose between a beautiful piece of jewelry or a gorgeous bag when you can have both on a single fabulous accessory that does not cost an arm and leg?!?!  Kara Ross designs the most exquisitely crafted and affordable jewel bags I have ever seen. Last season I coveted a black python clutch hand painted in silver; this season, it's the jeweled purple Nox python clutch ($768 upper left) with an amethyst buckle. My love of purple is beyond the fad of recent years-- my 96 year old grandmother adored amethyst stones and purple orchids and I have inherited her love of this royal shade.  For Fall/Winter 2009, Kara also offers a palate of neutral hues (for those less adventurous!)-- the lovely Nox taupe python clutch (above right $768) and the Nola hobo ($810 left) in taupe leather with python trim detail is timeless and chic for daily use.  For a dose of high glam, go for the Mia metallic python ($782 bottom left) with dark brown croc trim.  And I love the utilitarian chic of the Adora chocolate clutch in ostrich leg ($538 bottom right).  Utterly delicious!  The collection will hit stores in June.  Or check Kara Ross website for complete list of stores in your area!  Net-a-porter has a few must have Kara Ross clutches currently on sale here! 

I did some serious shopping today and believe it or not, the most exciting things I saw today was at Ferragamo. Yes, that's right, stupid grosgrain bow on everything Ferragamo. But oh no, this is not your mother's Ferragamo anymore. I am not going to say all their bags are good now but there are definitely key pieces that are very worthy. Like this wrap around clutch. It has so much edge, I really still cannot believe where I saw it. It would be a straight forward clutch but the wraps scrunch it up and kicks up the corners giving it a whole new shape. I don't even mind the hardware, I rather like the rings. There is a flap that is held with magnets as well as the strap, which I agree could get annoying but for the look, I'll deal with the hassle. At Ferragamo boutiques for $2600.

Everyone is mixing exotic skins together but no one does it like Chanel. In all its incarnations, this flap is the most extraordinary. Not only because it is fabulous exotic but because the flap lends itself perfectly to this design. It already has the two elements instead of doing alligator front panel and python sides, or alligator trim or pockets. I also love that it does not have the traditional chains, it makes it stand out from the rest, as it should and does. You also get the bang for your buck this way, the alligator is on the prominent flap so really all you are focusing on is that. And look at the scales, perfect and large! Are you in love or what? It also came in white but this must be black to show it properly. And I used past tense because this bag is sold out. Like I said, you really get bang for your buck for this at $10,200, an all alligator Chanel flap is closer to $30,000.

Is there another brand cooler than Balenciaga? (Balmain is close behind but Christopher Decarnin has yet to prove he's worthy of the outrageous prices and that he's more than a one season wonder!). The Brilliant Pouchette Bague Black Lizard showcases everything I love about Balenciaga under Nicholas Ghesquiere-- he pushes the envelope yet manages to retain the essence of the brand.  The two gusset flap front with studded hardware is edgy urban but in classic lizard-- it remains tasteful.  I can just picture Carine Roitfeld with this, she eschews large bags and prefers little clutches.  This one is kind of an odd size at 6" x 6.5" x 1.5" but that's part of its charm!  The squareness has a vintage-y retro feel to it that I love.  $2,675.00 at Barneys New York.

Tell me, do you love Balenciaga, too?

We attended dinner at the DVF studio over Fashion Week in NYC (the Diva herself sat with us for over an hour, mainly because we were seated with her sister-in-law and family but we'd like to think it's cuz she loves Bag Snob *_* jump for video of the dinner) and got an exclusive peek at the Fall 2009 bags.  I was told DVF hired the bag designers behind Marni bags to revamp her accessories line and I am beside myself with excitement!  I've been holding back for 3 months and finally given the go ahead to post the photos of the to die for bag collection. You ready?   First up is the "Hayworth" python tote with gun metal studs worthy of a Rock Goddess. Do I even need to tell you why you have to order this bag?  Anyone with eyes and any sense can see this is going to be the MUST HAVE bag from DVF for Fall '09. I saw it in gold, pewter and black and have to say black is my favorite. A timeless yet edgy rocker chic style in the most luxurious python skin, it just screams Pat Benatar and everything cool about rock and roll!  The studs are also very subtle so it doesn't look trendy, notice it along the inside of the handles-- I almost passed out with excitement when they showed it to me.  The size is just at 14"/33cm wide in a classic style.  And the price, you are going to die when you find out how much it is, $1,950- for a large PYTHON tote!

I must have this bag and will not rest until it's MINE!  I've harassed everyone at DVF for months now and will continue until the Hayworth is dangling from my arm!

Email Laura Cook at DVF boutique in NYC (python prohibited in California!) and get on the wait list, like- pronto!  Make sure you tell her Bag Snob sent you!  Or call 646.486.4800. Meanwhile, keep an eye on the DVF online boutique here.

I have no words for Louis Vuitton's python-interior embroidered denim bag with multi-beaded handle (and are those feathers I see dangling nonchalantly?!?!?).  I guess one could use it inside out and pretend it's really a python bag lined in denim. I mean it would make more sense but then you'd lose out on the kaleidoscope of logos in rainbow colors and we all know LV fans love their logos!   This actually makes me sad; after touring Louis Vuitton's home and atelier I'd developed a newfound respect for the brand, but this-- this makes no sense whatsoever (though it could have been made purely for editorial purposes, or for Beyonce).  What do you think?  SNOB or SLOB?
Buy Louis Vuitton here. Photo source: Elle.com

Forget all the silicone induced hype about Zagliani bags-- let's focus on this gorgeous luscious python shoulder bag/clutch in go with everything denim blue (I am obsessed with this dreamy color!).  This is a giant, I mean really really big bag but it's so squishy and lovable looking I want to cuddle it.  Love the triangle flap-- it properly shows off the pleats and the slightly puffed with pleated bottom is what gives it that flirty girly look!  It also has a leather and brushed gold chain handle you can hide and convert into oversized clutch or use as shoulder bag.  I personally think it looks better as a clutch, the chain is a bit too delicate for such a large bag but at least you have the option should you be at a party and want both hands free to toss back spritzers and munch on canapes at the same time.

By the way, if you have never touched a Zagliani bag you must go and feel its softness.  It will make you think differently about scaly bags forever!  ZAGLIANI - PYTHON FLAP SHOULDER BAG here. 1500 euro/ $2036 USD.  

The classic beauty of Maia N. bags is safely established now that Queens of state (Jordan, Spain, Saudi Arabia) and fashion (Carine Roitfeld) are loyal fans. But seriously, even if they weren't, how can you deny that this bag is nothing short of I-will-eat-only-bread-and-water-for-a-month-must-have-amazing? Or quinoa and water, if you're counting carbs and worried about lack of protein. The use of crocodile back for the straps is not only waste-free croc use but the look is bold and unique. Not to mention, super sturdy. The foldover top closure is my favorite, easy and chic. I love natural python but it is for hardcore python lovers, the red clay is perfect for Fall, it has a pop of color but is still muted enough to coordinate with Fall colors. This bag is already selling out, it may still be available at Intermix stores in NY but is sold out online. You can also order by emailing Joanna at Maia N. The price is great for such a high quality timeless python, $2880.