I’ve been a longtime admirer of exotic handbags but have never even dreamed of purchasing the real deal due to budget constraints. I love finding looks for less and after admiring several snakeskin-inspired handbags this season I became hooked on looking for exotic styles at a less expensive price point. Commonly used exotic materials are crocodile, alligator, ostrich, lizard, stingray, and snakeskin and I don’t discriminate, I covet them all. I have always found exotic bags to be aspirational and a sign of success as if owning one will gain you entry to an exclusive club that I have yet to join. In fact, I can vividly remember in college seeing a photo of Beyoncé carrying the Marc Jacobs Stam bag in beautiful metallic silver Python adorned with the Stam’s signature gold chain. She paired the statement bag with a pair of jeans and gold heels and I vividly remember thinking how effortlessly cool she looked. My motto ever since has been that if it’s good enough for Beyoncé, it’s good enough for my wish list.
Exotics have held the title as some of the most sought after and exclusive (not to mention expensive) handbags in the fashion industry for decades, but you don’t have to drop a ton of money to get the same style. Exotics are synonymous with chic and elegant and I would like to emulate the look since I can’t afford the real deal. I searched high and low and I’m happy to report my findings, as I discovered some pretty close matches! Do you have a favorite?
Nancy Gonzalez Small Aliza Genuine Crocodile Tote ($4,550)
Brahmin Large Duxbury Croc Embossed Leather Satchel ($415)
Louis Vuitton Petite Boite Chapeau ($35,000)
Kate Spade New York Andi Croc Embossed Canteen Bag ($358)
Marni Brown Marni Cache Snakeskin Oversized Clutch Bag ($3,390)
Ted Baker London Johanaa Flip Sequin Clutch ($175)
Celine Medium Classic Bag in Lizard ($7,500)
DeMellier Vancouver Croc Embossed Leather Crossbody ($485)
Nancy Gonzalez Small Teddy Crocodile Leather Crossbody Bag ($2,400)
Wandler Hortensia Croc Mini Bag ($664)
Shop Crocodile Hermès Birkins Here
Saint Laurent Croc Print Sac Du Jour Bag ($3,350)
Gucci Ophidia Elaphe Snake Flap Wallet on Chain ($1,900)
Loeffler Randall Tab Clutch ($295)
Brother Vellies The Island Bag ($1,450)
Coach 1941 Whipstitch Exotic Rogue Satchel Bag ($562)
I was contacted by Hermes re: if I was interested in purchasing an exotic skin Birkin, but I couldn’t. I didn’t purchase because of the price, but because I have very strong feelings re: killing exotic animals. Therefore, I would be more open to purchase a croc effect bag.
I used to feel the same way you did. I’ve always loved exotics, but only bought fakes because I felt guilty about sacrificing animals just for fashion. Now I realize it’s not as simple as it seemed. According to the conservationist groups, using exotic skins in fashion is what has saved those species, and in a couple of cases brought them back from near extinction.
It’s definitely food for thought.
There’s a great article about this that might change your mind about it. This just came out this week. https://www.businessoffashion.com/articles/opinion/op-ed-why-chanels-exotic-skins-ban-is-wrong
I love Nancy Gonzalez exotic, especially when she names a bag after me!
The DeMellier bag is very elegant.
Love the red LV and KS!!!! Tried them both in stores and I must say that I gravitated towards the LV. Wish they were not patent. The shiny effect cheapens the bags, IMO. I’m also not a fan of croc leather/mock croc. Ultimately, I chose to purchase the LV PBC in classic monogram instead.