Choosing exotics based on climate?

[A bottle of Red]

I was watching a shoe leather care video and the person mentioned that certain exotic skins do better in certain climates, so choose your skins accordingly.
However the video didn't go into more detail, so that had me wondering a few things:
First is this accurate that certain skins like snake vs gator vs sharkskin fares better in different climates? Or do they all do best in a drier climate?
And if so, which does better where?
@Christofle tagging you in case you have insight

 

[Christofle]

I was watching a shoe leather care video and the person mentioned that certain exotic skins do better in certain climates, so choose your skins accordingly.
However the video didn't go into more detail, so that had me wondering a few things:
First is this accurate that certain skins like snake vs gator vs sharkskin fares better in different climates? Or do they all do best in a drier climate?
And if so, which does better where?
@Christofle tagging you in case you have insight

They might be referring to how lizard dries out very easily or how light ostrich discolours under UV exposure. But this is pure guessing … or even how you might want to avoid croc in particularly rainy climates since you might not be able to wear it often…

 

[A bottle of Red]

Interesting, I appreciate the information! I don't use my snakeskin nor gator bags in bad weather. In general I tend to use my cheap bags in bad weather because I am never 100% sure what can withstand the rain and I'd rather not ruin one by being careless.
As far as sun damage, that is crazy to see.
My old closet had a huge window and I had no idea the damage that sun can do. One bag had the glaze melt off and a cream bag turned a nasty yellow. Thankfully they were both inexpensive leather bags.

 

[880]

I think ostrich is pretty sturdy (though avoid oil stains). Stingray is also quite durable.

For sun tanning and discoloration, a professional third party can work miracles, but it’s not inexpensive.

A note on double paned uv protective glass for windows and doors. They aren’t 100% and even if your dressing room or closet is climate controlled, it can get hot. So I’d also recommend black out shades and solar shades (the latter if you want to let in a bit of light)

I adore ring lizard, but my Manolos discolored in their cloth dust bag in a dark, room temp controlled closet. So, I simply steer clear of some lighter exotics altogether.

 

[A bottle of Red]

I think ostrich is pretty sturdy (though avoid oil stains)

For sun tanning and discoloration, a professional third party can work miracles, but it’s not inexpensive.

Good to know just in case for the future. My current closet has no windows thankfully 😅
This is the bag that was originally light cream and still is under the flap, but turned a yucky yellow.
It's from a company called Brighton, not sure they even still exist but definitely not worth the cost to restore.

 

[Christofle]

Good to know just in case for the future. My current closet has no windows thankfully 😅
This is the bag that was originally light cream and still is under the flap, but turned a yucky yellow.
It's from a company called Brighton, not sure they even still exist but definitely not worth the cost to restore.

Is there a patent coating on top of the hide? It looks strangely like how clear vinyl on patent leather oxidizes to yellow over time.

 

[A bottle of Red]

Is there a patent coating on top of the hide? It looks strangely like how clear vinyl on patent leather oxidizes to yellow over time.

I think so , the inside doesn't have it but the top part is shiny and slick like patent leather but embossed to look like croc.

 

[A bottle of Red]

I'm hoping that colored patent leather ( red or black) doesn't yellow over time like that one did because two of my Ralph Lauren collection bags are patent leather. 😬

 

[Christofle]

I'm hoping that colored patent leather ( red or black) doesn't yellow over time like that one did because two of my Ralph Lauren collection bags are patent leather. 😬

Not sure about red but black will be safe.

 

[A bottle of Red]

Good to hear because my beloved Ricky is black patent leather.
I'm a sucker for patent, suede, velvet and exotics. All the finicky things lol

 

[A bottle of Red]

I think ostrich is pretty sturdy (though avoid oil stains). Stingray is also quite durable.

For sun tanning and discoloration, a professional third party can work miracles, but it’s not inexpensive.

A note on double paned uv protective glass for windows and doors. They aren’t 100% and even if your dressing room or closet is climate controlled, it can get hot. So I’d also recommend black out shades and solar shades (the latter if you want to let in a bit of light)

I adore ring lizard, but my Manolos discolored in their cloth dust bag in a dark, room temp controlled closet. So, I simply steer clear of some lighter exotics altogether.

I missed the latter part of your message initially, but thank you for that information! Thankfully my exotics are dark skinned
Very good point about a closet getting hot I need to be careful with that!

 

[chanellover333]

Following. Honestly I imagine keeping the bag in optimal conditions inside does more for it than occasionally taking it out in humidity etc. But I'm not certain. I think if I lived somewhere super rainy I probably would be hesitant to buy exotics.

 

[Christofle]

I missed the latter part of your message initially, but thank you for that information! Thankfully my exotics are dark skinned
Very good point about a closet getting hot I need to be careful with that!

I also think it might just depend on the person too. I remember when I wore my Delvaux ostrich bag to an event my Delvaux SA was surprised that it still looked so new (which made me feel a bit confused since it was only a few years old).

Some people might just put wear on a bag faster than others so even in “bad climates” per se I’d wear whatever I actually like because life is too short. 🤣

 

[A bottle of Red]

I also think it might just depend on the person too. I remember when I wore my Delvaux ostrich bag to an event my Delvaux SA was surprised that it still looked so new (which made me feel a bit confused since it was even that old).

Some people might just put wear on a bag faster than others so even in “bad climates” per se I’d wear whatever I actually like because life is too short. 🤣

I definitely use my bags and don't baby them, but I still can't bring myself to use them in actual rain
I don't own ostrich or lizard at this point, just a few snakeskin and one gator.

 

[A bottle of Red]

And since I'm a firm believer in posts with pretty pictures, here are a few of my exotics.

The black is a Coach Rogue in Gator . I adore this bag, small but fits a lot is lightweight and so easy to use.
The burgundy is Michael Kors Collection in snakeskin.
Also very lightweight and practical, I love it.