Is this bag a go or a no go?

What would you do?


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    8
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Last week I came across this beautiful Gucci Lady Web in red python leather. It really was love at first sight. I was searching for another red bag and when I saw this bag (in the sale at a great price) and I couldn't resist.

One day later I read how python leather is farmed and my heart sank. No I am debating whether to keep or sell the bag. I love the look of the bag but I am not sure if I can accept the fact that an animal had to die such a cruel death just to be hanging on my shoulders.

What do you think about python leather? Do you own any exotic leather bags? Would you keep or sell the bag?
 

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This is a gorgeous bag! Considering that the Lady Web is now retired I would keep it! As for your conflict on how the leather was sourced do you have this personal conflict with all leather products or just how python was managed it what you saw? Not all companies source or manage exotics in the same manner.
 
This is exactly the reason I can't do exotics. The bags are gorgeous, including yours, but I just can't.
I had a similar dilema with Celine Lirine from ostrich leg last year: great bag for a great price but I could't do it. I do regret it sometimes.
 
I have this bag in suede, it's amazing, based on a classic Gucci design, and you are very lucky to get this in the sale. 5 always wanted the classic Gucci saddle bag. Only the bi-coloured leather ones have been on sale at Gucci stores/on-line so far as far as I know. You shouldn't keep it for the price alone of course.

To my mind there is too much python around altogether so stopped buying them from every maker, but the python I have already is not going anywhere, these snakes will be celebrated in my wardrobe. I have CITES for all my Gucci python bags which means the source and how the reptiles are treated and killed are very strictly controlled (obviously Gucci can't monitor all python production for other companies but CITES try very hard to). I can see Gucci have moved into using more common (and cheaper) snake types more recently like whip, water and eel.

On durability, I carry a little Lee Miller python pouch cross-body every day in rain and shine and it's shockingly in great condition. People get worried about python, but in my experience they have no need to (although I never set off with a python if I think they'll be a downpour).
 
It's a pretty bag. You've already bought it so why not enjoy it. If you sell it to someone else it doesn't change the fact that how this particular bag was produced. Somebody will use this bag so why not do it yourself? Just don't buy exotics from now on if you don't want to support this industry.

I am sorry if I sound harsh but that is just how I think. I think similarly about fur. I don't buy fur coats or accessories myself but every winter when it gets freezing I use my fur hat that has been in my family for decades (it used to belong to my granny). The fact that these accessories are already out there is not going to change whether or not we use them.
 
I have this bag in suede, it's amazing, based on a classic Gucci design, and you are very lucky to get this in the sale. 5 always wanted the classic Gucci saddle bag. Only the bi-coloured leather ones have been on sale at Gucci stores/on-line so far as far as I know. You shouldn't keep it for the price alone of course.

To my mind there is too much python around altogether so stopped buying them from every maker, but the python I have already is not going anywhere, these snakes will be celebrated in my wardrobe. I have CITES for all my Gucci python bags which means the source and how the reptiles are treated and killed are very strictly controlled (obviously Gucci can't monitor all python production for other companies but CITES try very hard to). I can see Gucci have moved into using more common (and cheaper) snake types more recently like whip, water and eel.

On durability, I carry a little Lee Miller python pouch cross-body every day in rain and shine and it's shockingly in great condition. People get worried about python, but in my experience they have no need to (although I never set off with a python if I think they'll be a downpour).

Thank you so much for the answer, I learned a lot. I wasn't aware that brands use different snake types (just checked and the bag is made out of Burmese python).

If I leave the ethical factors out of account it is good to hear that python leather is so durable. The leather is beautiful to look at and to touch and the colors are really something special.

I haven't made up my mind yet, but it's great to read other people's opinions.
 
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It's a pretty bag. You've already bought it so why not enjoy it. If you sell it to someone else it doesn't change the fact that how this particular bag was produced. Somebody will use this bag so why not do it yourself? Just don't buy exotics from now on if you don't want to support this industry.

I am sorry if I sound harsh but that is just how I think. I think similarly about fur. I don't buy fur coats or accessories myself but every winter when it gets freezing I use my fur hat that has been in my family for decades (it used to belong to my granny). The fact that these accessories are already out there is not going to change whether or not we use them.

Thank you for your answer. No, it doesn't sound harsh. Of course I am aware that someone will use that bag but I just felt like I shouldn't wear a sign of animal cruelty myself. But now that I have already bought it it might be best just to use it and stop buying exotics in the future. You actually made a very good point.
 
This is exactly the reason I can't do exotics. The bags are gorgeous, including yours, but I just can't.
I had a similar dilema with Celine Lirine from ostrich leg last year: great bag for a great price but I could't do it. I do regret it sometimes.

You shouldn't regret it. I won't buy exotics from now on. You should only support things or industries you believe in.
 
This is a gorgeous bag! Considering that the Lady Web is now retired I would keep it! As for your conflict on how the leather was sourced do you have this personal conflict with all leather products or just how python was managed it what you saw? Not all companies source or manage exotics in the same manner.

Thank you for your answer. No, as a handbag lover I buy "regular" leather all the time. I guess I was just shocked when I read this article. Maybe Gucci has higher ethical standards for their leather suppliers but you never now...
 
I have this bag in suede, it's amazing, based on a classic Gucci design, and you are very lucky to get this in the sale. 5 always wanted the classic Gucci saddle bag. Only the bi-coloured leather ones have been on sale at Gucci stores/on-line so far as far as I know. You shouldn't keep it for the price alone of course.

To my mind there is too much python around altogether so stopped buying them from every maker, but the python I have already is not going anywhere, these snakes will be celebrated in my wardrobe. I have CITES for all my Gucci python bags which means the source and how the reptiles are treated and killed are very strictly controlled (obviously Gucci can't monitor all python production for other companies but CITES try very hard to). I can see Gucci have moved into using more common (and cheaper) snake types more recently like whip, water and eel.

On durability, I carry a little Lee Miller python pouch cross-body every day in rain and shine and it's shockingly in great condition. People get worried about python, but in my experience they have no need to (although I never set off with a python if I think they'll be a downpour).
How has your suede Lady Web held up? These are now retired but I've located one and plan to scoop it up. Did you put a protectant spray on it? I think I read you had said that you had. Also thought I read that Gucci will clean their suede bags right?
 
How has your suede Lady Web held up? These are now retired but I've located one and plan to scoop it up. Did you put a protectant spray on it? I think I read you had said that you had. Also thought I read that Gucci will clean their suede bags right?

Yes (don't tell Gucci if you take it in) and yes (I hope they still do under AM but haven't tried).

It's a great med bag (I have the larger of the 2 sizes). I've worn it day and night, and in-between and day-to-night, huge compliments. The only place not to take suede is somewhere where lots of people smoke. I'm not too worried about keeping it pristine though as I think this sort of vintage style looks better and better with age, it's one of those bags that will always be in fashion too because it's such a classic.
 
Perfect thanks! Yea like you I love the vintage look of suede bags just not sad suede bags! Lol! I was originally drawn to the brown hand painted one and the red one but this suede one is the one that has stolen my dreams so it's the one I must have! [emoji173]️
 
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