Recent findings: croco wallet in havana



I love handbags that are made from exotic skins. In my own definition, exotic skins would include python , ostrich, lizard and crocodile skins. For me, the luxurious exotic skins will speak for itself and we don't need to choose one with a complicated model or with too many metal hard wares  A clean line and minimalist look will suffice  I don't care if it has no brand. Currently I do own few handbags made from python skin, wallet and clutch made from crocodile skin. And I still have a wishlist to have a clutch made from lizard skin or a hobo bag made from ostrich leather.

And recently I just added my exotic collection when I got this beauty. It is a wallet made from REAL crocodile skin in havana colour. And yes, it has no brand yet the craftsmanship is very good (well at least it meet my meticulous quality check lol). Unexpectedly I got it during my recent trip to China where my favourite souvenir was usually a few packs of Chinese jasmine tea.

I was then told that for handbags or leather goods made from crocodile skin, basically they will use the skin from either the back/shoulder or belly (stomach) part. I was not aware at the beginning, but in fact now I have wallets made from crocodile skin from both parts and can now do a comparison. The back/shoulder part is a rough surface while the belly part has smooth surface and it shows a more luxurious look. The price of goods made from belly part is much more expensive (at least double) than the shoulder part. When we see the premium designers that make crocodile bags (just think about Hermes Birkin), then surely it is made from the belly part from the best crocodile skin.

Below is the comparison photo of my croco wallet that are made from back/shoulder and belly crocodile skin.

Left: a wallet made from shoulder part of crocodile skin (rough surface)
Right: a wallet made from belly part of crocodile skin (smooth and soft surface)

Current obsession: ostrich handbags

image from Gleni.it

image from Gleni.it

I am not talking about any Hermes bags made from ostrich. This bag is definitely beyond my current league :p

Instead, I am talking about my current wishlist of having a nice hobo bag made from ostrich leather. Ostrich leather itself already looks ellegant and rich. A simple hobo design will be enough and we have to let the 'leather' speaks for itself - because the leather texture is already beautiful and unique. I do not mind of having an ostrich handbag from not-so-premium brands or even non-branded name. As I know the price for ostrich leather is soooo expensive when there is a big name printed on it.

So I browsed around looking for ostrich bag reference and found some names that have specialized themselves in designing handbag made from exotic skins, including ostrich.

Gleni

I like this simple design of sky blue ostrich hobo bag from Gleni. Honestly, the shape of the bag reminds me of a style from one of the big mansions in the world. But I still like it though ;)

image from Gleni.it

Nuti

Chic hobo bag in warm havana ostrich leather. Very classic! The name of this style is referred as 'Newyorker' from Nuti.

image from Nuti.it and google search

But again, I am not about to buy any of their ostrich handbags. My plan is to have a custom-made ostrich handbag. And it will be locally made. I have seen the sample during the recent local handicraft exhibition, and I felt pleased enough about the their craftsmanship. Hence, I have decided to venture myself to order one.

So here is the local name that designs nice and quality ostrich handbags (and other bags made from exotic skins).

Aiyla

And these are the ostrich leather swatch that was shown to me. The colour IRL is to die for. Bold and bright. Just what I like!

Now I just need to set up an appointment with them to visit the showroom/workshop and select the perfect leather. I am currently thinking about orange or fuchsia ostrich with the matching lambskin for bag lining. Hmmm it sounds so devine already. Can't wait!



Psssssst, by the way, I have recently bought their croco wallet and clutch and I am so happy with this recent purchase.

Today's finds: croco clutch and wallet

I recently attended a local handicraft exhibition and found a booth (brand Aiyla) who make handbags, wallets and clutches made from exotic skin. Mostly they made the handbags from croco or ostrich skin, I have to say that the craftsmanship is pretty excellent.

When I saw this croco clutch, I was immediately sold. The colour is so classic and versatile and the clutch is simply unique!! See photo below on how to open the clutch, i.e. by 'unroll-ing' the layers of croco skin. I can imagine that one baby crocodile has been used to make this beautiful clutch.

Oh, and I also took home this gorgeous red croco wallet *love* On the way back home from the exhibition, I immediately changed my wallet from Bottega Veneta foldover wallet into this striking red croco wallet.