In lieu of an Alligator Birkin Bag...

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MidlifeFashionPrincess

MidlifeFashionPrincess

Member
Nov 29, 2016
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#1
Let's skip over all the premium exotics and right down to the brands that are less discussed here at tPF who have exotics for at or under $1k.

I sometimes look at nice looking Nancy Gonzalez, Salvatore Ferragamo, and others of this ilk. What are your thoughts on these brands' exotics? Who would you trust?

I've never *known* a Nancy Gonzalez. I did have a leather Salvatore Ferragamo once, but didn't appreciate it (a friend gave it to me and I thought it looked too old for me, so sold it for nothing on eBay).

There are other brands I have looked at, but I cannot think of them now.

Thoughts?
 
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#2
Nancy Gonzalez uses cayman leather, so it's kind of a "lesser" exotic, BUT I think it's a trusted brand and resale prices for NG bags are good (for buyers I mean!).
Ferragamo makes nice bags - it's amazing if they have exotics under $1K!!
I do think it's hard to do quality croc or gator at that price.

I was once told by the head of bags at an auction house that the best deals in bag auctions are exotic bags from non-premier designers.
 
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#5
QuelleFromage said:
Nancy Gonzalez uses cayman leather, so it's kind of a "lesser" exotic, BUT I think it's a trusted brand and resale prices for NG bags are good (for buyers I mean!).
Ferragamo makes nice bags - it's amazing if they have exotics under $1K!!
I do think it's hard to do quality croc or gator at that price.

I was once told by the head of bags at an auction house that the best deals in bag auctions are exotic bags from non-premier designers.
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Thank you for the insight. What do you need a lesser exotic. I never understand with caimen is excepted it from a different region.
 
#6
MidlifeFashionPrincess said:
Thank you for the insight. What do you need a lesser exotic. I never understand with caimen is excepted it from a different region.
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I think the real question about Kenan is why would I care? And I don’t mean that in a snarky way just that I am seeking an education here. Do you have any thoughts on Suarez?

there is a beautiful BV black alligator cross body with gold hardware, but I don’t need that color combo. I’m sure a BV exotic would be exquisite.
 
#12
MidlifeFashionPrincess said:
I am looking at real exotics and also worry about hydration. i've seen some pretty nasty looking vintage exotics.
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Vintage is decades old so one would expect them to be dehydrated if they haven't been cared for. I think that would apply to any leather at even only a few year's old. It's possible that they may respond to a good quality nourishing treatment?
 
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#13
MidlifeFashionPrincess said:
Thank you for the insight. What do you need a lesser exotic. I never understand with caimen is excepted it from a different region.
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Caiman has far more bony plates from calcium in the hide than other crocodilian species. This means that the items won't exhibit the softness found among the hides of other crocs/gators. Moreover the plates when subjected to repeated movement eventually cause cracks, which isn't exactly ideal. The hides are also much smaller so you can't make larger bags with them without splicing several hides together.
 
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#14
Christofle said:
Caiman has far more bony plates from calcium in the hide than other crocodilian species. This means that the items won't exhibit the softness found among the hides of other crocs/gators. Moreover the plates when subjected to repeated movement eventually cause cracks, which isn't exactly ideal. The hides are also much smaller so you can't make larger bags with them without splicing several hides together.
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Wow, thanks!

I am turned off by the very honey hides, I didn’t realize it was caiman.
 
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