The hard times have struck all businesses, be it the regular ones or those in the ultra-luxe category. But yes, there are a couple of names like Gucci, Cartier and Armani that have opened new stores in different regions all over the world. But Hermes is not one of them. Empire expansion is not on the brand’s priority list. The company rep was heard saying that the financial turbulence will last another year or two. Watches and jewelry are not so popular but looks like certain exotic-skin Hermes bags is running waiting lists for several years.

Now to meet with the growing demands of the fashion world, Hermes has started breeding its own crocodiles on farms in Australia. Ouch! Now, this might hurt the animal lover within but we are told that some three to four crocodiles make one Hermes bag.

The brand has its leather goods accounting for 40 percent of its business. Agreed that the wealthy consumers are spedning less but they are remaining loyal to their brand.So, Hermes does have a chance of scraping a little too well through the recession.

Via reuters

The world just got its most expensive umbrella. This beauty is made entirely from black top-grade crocodile skin treated for water resistance. And we have to thank Formula One mogul Flavio Briatore and deisgner Angelo Galasso for this killer product that is launched under the Italian brand ‘Billionaire Couture’.

The over-sized umbrella is available only by special order from Billionaire Couture’s new London flagship store in Sloane Street, SW 1 for a whopping amount of $50,000.

For the uninitiated, Billionaire Couture was started by renowned playboy Briator as the first international haute couture line exclusively for men. Every products under this brand is handmade in Italy and in limited numbers only. The makers claim that each item is created after an obsessive research into fabrics, materials and details. By the way, Billionaire Couture regulars include Paul McCartney, David Beckham and Sean “Diddy” Combs.

The crocodile umbrella is not the only thing this fashion brand offers. You can also check out the cool crocodile bags, shoes and coats and the stylish accessories that use a variety of precious and exotic stones.

Via justluxe

Well, I am not against luxury products but the only criteria is that the thing should be worth the price. For a regular crocodile bad, I am never going to spend $22,900. But that is exactly what Gucci expects us to do. Now let me ask them, just because I have money do you think I will buy any over-priced thing? Or perhaps I am being over critical of this triangular crocodile pelham shopper bag. The bad does look fantastic to me but not worth the price, to be sure. It’s available in crocodile dark green having braided straps, a tab-snap closure, having useful zipped pockets.

The size of the bad is 19.3″ x 5.1″ x 11″, large enough to accommodate it’s an attractive and generously sized bag but I must aevery woman’s need. Apart from the ouch!, hurting price tag of $22,900, the bag seems to be perfect!

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