LUX-Trend Alert: Consumer Demand Remains for Exotic Skin Handbags
As we know LUXies, the retail market has taken a huge hit in this economic landscape. However, ‘skins are still in.’ This means consumers, such as yourself, have put their buying power into the exotics—well, handbags that is!!
Some of the most rare styles in demand include alligator, crocodile and python. These accessories are timeless and exclusive investment pieces to add to the longevity of your wardrobe and style collection! When a collector comes across that special piece of art, it truly is a Passionistas dream!
One major shift though, has been the price expectations of consumers. It seems the super LUX range like the $140,000 Hermès Birkin alligator bag with diamond-studded gold hardware seems a bit excessive in this market, though the $300 - $2,000 range are definitely still standing strong!!
“They understand the value in a beautiful bag, made by highly skilled artisans using the finest exotic skins available,” said Tomas Maier, Bottega Veneta’s creative director, adding the brand’s exotic business has grown in proportion to its overall handbag business. –via WWD.com
Due to this shift in price per value, many designers are making an effort to create skin bags that can retail for less without sacrificing any of the quality and design. Expect to see some creative insights that pair the love of exotic skins with the practicality of other materials to make the designs LUST worthy!
Designer Carlos Falchi, who is known mainly for his work in crocodile and python, has introduced more patchwork bags to his collection. LAI, meanwhile, has brought in bags with exotic trim and combinations of skins instead of full-on skin bags. Katherine Kwei is offering the exotic look with less-expensive watersnake, and Sang A is producing bags in karung, a novel snakeskin which costs 70% less than python. –via Stylesight.com
So what do you think LUX Nation? Are you a Passionista with an eye for the exotic?? And if you’re not a Passionista but a Fashionista, are you excited for these new styling designs to become available?
Fashion.Life.LUX.
