There are a few exotic skins that are more ideal for mens fashion than others. This has a lot to do with the textures and what is being made (is it a coat? a belt? a pair of boots?) Here’s a review of what does and what does not work in men’s fashion:
1) Lizard leather - Not used for many men’s products, although it is quite common for exotic leather upholstery and veneers due to its thin, flexible qualities and and finely stippled appearance. Rest assured, you won’t see many men wearing items crafted from this exotic leather but you’ll find some really nice wall applications!
2) Crocodile and Alligator Leather – Crocodile and Alligator leather are the luxury standard – the ideal leather for both mens and womens fashion. These exotic hides are valuable, easily noticable, and extremely durable. Often, you’ll find an owner of a genuine crocodile or alligator coat that has existed for well over 50 years, handed down through generations. Here are a couple examples:
3) Stingray Leather – Stingray and Shagreen (Shark) hides are fantastic and extremely versatile leather. Almost any application available for leathermaking is possible to craft with stingray – which has the same thin flexible qualities of Lizard skin but a much more attractive finish. Stingray leather belts, boots, and wallets in the right color and style will complement good fashion taste!
4) Snake Skin – Snake skin has a strong masculine quality for men’s jewelry, jackets, wallets, and boots. Equally versatile and beautiful for women’s fashion as well, snake is an exotic skin worth mentioning for mens’ style.
5) Ostrich Leather – Ostrich leather can be used for stylish clothing but with its thick and extremely durable qualities, it is ideal for exotic car upholstery, like this example:
Rock and Republic is bringing back….the fanny pack? Well, they call it a Hip Bag – and now it’s a luxury.
Rock & Republic’s Hip Bag made of genuine alligator leather would be considered a cheesy tourist adornment, but it’s now become high-fashion selling at $6,800 each. With only six of them available, this makes it a rare find as well as a unique piece that will be owned by less than .000000001% of the population.
From the article:
“It really is for the ultimate shopper,” Bernholtz says. “It lets you have your arms free so you can get to everything you need.”
Since they’re only being sold in Vegas, you’d better plan on winning big or plan on a serious shopping spree!
Billionaire Tamir Sapir’s yacht the Mystere (valued at $26 million) was seized by customs for containing rare animals including endangered species of zebras, a jaguar, a Bengal tiger, African lion heads, and other species outlawed by customs. The Endangered Species Act of 1973 makes it illegal to buy or sell species or products made from species that are listed as endangered.
Of course he will get his yacht back, but stripped of his Exotic skins and with a $150,000 fine (peanuts for a billionaire).
While many species are endangered, there are many legal exotic skins that can be obtained with the right CITES permits and US Fish and Wildlife approval. Knowing these rules are a crucial part of the successful importing of exotic skin – often the tanneries where the tanning of a species is legal will lie to get business, take the money, and the shipped order is later seized, resulting in a loss of money with no product and no repercussions for the dishonest International tannery that sold the skins, who will gladly keep the money!
The best route to purchase and import exotic skin is through an exotic leather broker, such as our global supplier, who is familiar with the laws and regulations of shipping exotic skins worldwide. They have also maintained ongoing relationships with the farmers and tanneries, resulting in the best price and best service. Use our contact form if you’re seeking large wholesale orders of exotic skin for production.
