I like leather bags but I feel like you never really know with exotics. You either like it or hate it. I like a snakeskin print. However, I have had a python bag before and feeling the scales creeped me out a bit.
Me neither! It would be really hard to consider buying one without seeing it and feeling the texture of the bagOh interesting because they have a us site so I didn't realize they can't be exported
This was super useful! I've also considered outlets to buy an exotic but again depends on the style and usage of the bagFor multiple reasons but the largest being lower labour costs in Asia. Exotic leathers while expensive are actually substantially cheaper than one might think looking at retail prices of exotics from luxury staples like say Hermes or Delvaux.
https://www.kwanpen.com/collections/handbags/products/raffles-1819-handbag-85th-anniversary-edition (even their diamond anniversary raffles is relatively well priced compared to similar offering from competitors).
Same reason ACME shoemaker is so disruptive within bespoke shoemaking realm.
To the OP @jenapp (Staying on topic if you like exotics: Ferragamo outlets have been known to have ostrich and crocodilian bags in your price range at times)
Another beautiful one in your price range:
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I saw a Spanish brand called Maria Oliver only on Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus and a few on Saks croc and 1 alligator also for much less than Kwanpen and heard good quality, better than Nancy Gonzalez who used to have croc bags on those sites.I
so no rain for croc or gator?
How are the Kwanpen bags so inexpensive for exotics? I don't think I have ever seen croc or gator bags for the price they charge.
Can someone remind me where I got the idea that Maria Oliver is owned by the Gucci family? I can't seem to find it on Google. Did I make that up?I saw a Spanish brand called Maria Oliver
Of course it’s the blue crocodile I like-my taste hasn’t changed since I was a teenager..Another good option would be a Mila Jito Mirus in barenia if you like heritage leathers.
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Can someone remind me where I got the idea that Maria Oliver is owned by the Gucci family? I can't seem to find it on Google. Did I make that up?
EDIT: Also, if no one is able to substantiate this rumor, please ignore me. I may be mixing things up. I have zero inside knowledge! Only adding this disclaimer because it's getting late in LA and I don't want to wake up to find out that I started a rumor.
The new brand is private about its founders, saying only that they are linked to a European family who specializes in luxury products and has been in business for more than 100 years (Waller: March 21, WWD)
Thank you for the clarification!You didn't make it up
But Gucci are not allowed to use their own name anymore for anything at all related to what Gucci sells. I think the only exception is the 'Paolo Gucci' (separate agreement in the late '80s)
MO debuted in 2021 a century after Gucci was founded. That year MO put out through PR:
MO says it has links to Spain too, but Loewe goes much further back (1846) so I think they're manufacturing links must be with Spain whilst the founders must be related to the Gucci family. Take everything with a pinch of salt though, because a lot of people married into the Gucci family who also have the name and who have no background in leathergoods.
Before, the only Gucci related leather goods company (that I know of) was Roberto Gucci's links to House of Florence. FYI: My computer warns me it's no longer safe to go to the House of Florence website any longer.
I have a Kwanpen that I adore.I'm in between another everyday bag (one that fits essentials, a bottle of water), basically something practical and stylish like the andiamo and a nice evening bag. I would consider a chanel WOC but the exotic also sounds tempting! any brands in particular you could recommend?
I’m afraid it’s a slippery slope..I started aged about 17, and haven’t stopped using exotics since-it’s an expensive hobby!xxThis thread is making me crave an alligator or croc bag