Crocophilic!

It's the croc leather that is becoming a fad in the men's accesories. Man bags, holdalls, belt and even watch strap. Exotic skin is definitely special and different compared to its on-land rival - the calf and sheep skin, due to its uneven texture and irregular pattern of the scales. It made the leather stand out by itself effortlessly.

Many highstreet and designer brands come up with either the real croc leather or imitation one. While the original skin may cost more than $20k for a bag, the imitation exotic skin is more on the affordable side. It can either be real calf leather given a croc pressed pattern or pleather (PU or PVC) with alligator skin print.

On the designer side, Louis Vuitton is famous for the Neverfull crocodile leather in their recent collection that cost a whopping more than $20k. So as Bottega Veneta Madagascar tote that has similar design. At Burberry Spring/Summer 09 runway show, the croc is given either as a trim on the canvas, or full leather holdall. The alligator skin is also seen in the recent Dolce & Gabbana men's collection with a range of bags from carryall to briefcase and washbag.

While on the affordable side, Benetton has come up with the range of PU exotic skin print last Autumn 2007. They are snatched up very fast due to the low price. So as Zara, that came up with real leather mock croc tote in limited edition last year and still offering faux lizard skin this season.

I have my own croc obsession (no, not the stupid Croc shoe!). Have the opportunity to snatch that faux croc holdall and messanger bag last year, and the other brown leather tote early this year (Limited edition, less than 12 available in London). They're real, high quality calf leather given a croc print. While at Redoute, the briefcase is of PVC. Still the lizard skin texture look fierce. And the latest addition to the bag family is my PVC croc tote from Topman. Most important - it's practical as daily use, the design should stand out, material is sturdy, and the price is right! Voila....

P/S: Just imagine how many bags could one come up with when they get the mythical Bujang Senang!

Louis Vuitton Neverfull Tote

Bottega Veneta Madagascar Tote

Burberry Croc Tote Spring/Summer 2009

Dolce & Gabbana Croc Bags

Benetton Autumn 2007

And...my croc collezzioni (so far...)

Zara tote bag (L), Zara holdall leather mock croc (R)

Redoute carryall briefcase (L), Zara leather mock croc messanger bag (R)

Topman mock croc