Python Skin Bags - Legal or Illegal?

[creepcake]

Hi ladies, is it legal or illegal to own python skin bags in Singapore? I am thinking of ordering a python skin tote bag from an overseas site, but am not sure of the legal restrictions in Singapore. All I know is that it is illegal to sell / own such exotic skins in California. Thank you.

[tien]

Don't think so dearie. The big labels also sell exoctic skins here. I've seen some python and croc bags on the shelves lately so I think you should be safe. (:

[Glossie]

Good question. I remember many years back when I was crew, some seniors talked of buying and packing exotic stuff like snakeskin bags. I have ordered online a vintage leather bag and the store sells vintage exotic skin bags too. I suppose it's fine, in this respect? Have you google'd govt sites like AVA and ICA?

[creepcake]

Glossie > I'll be sending AVA an email to check before I place my order for the python skin bag. Then I'll update in this thread accordingly.The python skin tote bag I am looking at costs USD500. You reckon it's a good buy? Not too sure how much shipping will cost, am awaiting the reply from the seller,

[Glossie]

Ooh. I'm really not the authority on exotic skin bags, C. Is it made by a famous name/brand? I suppose, as with leather bags, there're various grades of exotic skins. The vintage bags on that site where I got my Etienne Aigner don't cost alot at all. But I guess they're older and are not 'branded' so the price tag is reasonable.

http://www.retrodesignerdeals.com/vintageskins.html

This is the most expensive python there. It's small, though:
http://www.retrodesignerdeals.com/ca...22/5172546.htm

[creepcake]

Glossie > The link's here: http://www.purseblog.com/totes/dangel-tia-tote/ Which colour do you think looks better? I'm deciding between Natural and Cranberry. Any idea if the scales of the python skin will flake over the years? A male friend of mine swears that they will shed and flake off naturally, because he used to own a snake skin pouch. I want my tote to last for years!

Thanks for the link. The bag's too small for my liking, else I wouldn't mind getting it. I bought this tiny clutch/pouch recently online and love it to bits > http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...ningClutch.jpg

tien > Thanks, my mom told me the same thing too. Now I'm awaiting AVA's reply to my email.

[Cheryl_Lee]

Hi creepcake, my sis ordered the exact cranberry tote from Lux Couture just 2 days ago. IIRC, she toldme something like it was the last piece. She paid ~ US$30 over for the shipping using Fedex. I guess it should be legal to bring in python skin bags into spore as she also bought a Celine bittersweet python tote from the local boutique sometime ago. If those boutiques can sell exotic skin, i believe it's legal to import in.

[Glossie]

Cute purse, C! I wonder though if the skin's genuine? I'm actually quite doubtful about the prices of the exotic skin bags on retrodesignerdeals. I'm not too into them altho I love the deep hues of some of the purses.

As much as I love grey/white, I find the Natural colour so natural that it's kinda freaky. No offence meant! The Cranberry one looks less natural/freaky to me as such. It's a rich deep red that's easier to maintain, too. My main issue with the bag is the stiffness/softness of it because of the skin. I can't see how the scales go. Are python skins more 'fluid'? For bags of such a style, I would prefer and actually expect it to be soft and slouchy. If the material is stiff, I would prefer a more structured shape like Kellys or Birkins.

[creepcake]

Cheryl_Lee > Thanks for the input. Yeps, it's indicated on the site that the bag is sold out, but we can place orders for it. I'm still waiting their reply to my email though (regarding shipping and availability).

Glossie > For the price point, I reckon that the brown clutch I bought isn't real snake-skin. However, the scales on the clutch do feel real to me though so it's still a big question mark to me. You're right about the colour ... the Natural seems a tad freaky, whereas the Cranberry colour is so vibrant, it simply pops and grabs one's attention. The site has described the python skin as thin, so I think it'll be soft and slouchy in structure. Hey I love structured bags too, but I noticed you're quite a big fan of Balenciaga bags (because of the leather?).

[Glossie]

Thanks for your comments, C. Haha, truth be told, there're better leathers than Bal leather. My dream bag was a Prada from last season - amazingly smooth and supple and lightweight. Bbags happen to appeal to me and they happen to be lighter than other brands such as Chloe and Marc Jacob But I think the latter bags are heavy for a good reason - they're sturdy. I haven't tried them on but I'm pretty sure those who have both Chloe/MJ and BBags would say this about the leathers.

[Glossie]

Heard from AVA yet, C?

[creepcake]

Here's the reply from AVA with regards to my query on python skin bags:

Thank you for your email below regarding the belowmentioned.

2 All pythons are protected species under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Hence, any import/export/re-export of pythons, including its parts and derivatives such as handbags, requires CITES permits.Currently, the imports of manufactured products made from reptile skins for personal or commercial purposes into Singapore do not require the issuance of CITES import permit. However, please ensure that the shipment is accompanied by a valid CITES export/re-export permit from the exporting country (country from which you purchased your product). This is to facilitate the issuance of a CITES re-export permit from Singapore subsequently.

3 Pls do not hesitate to contact me for further queries. Thank you and regards.

However, it seems that the python skin bag I'm looking at is really sold out. Yet to hear from Sari Brown (owner of Lux Couture) regarding backdated orders.

[Ahappycherry]

Now I know why you went through all the trouble. The bag is nice. I will go for the white one, coz the brown one is too rugged for me. It depends on your normal clothing, if jeans => brown will look great!

I have a moschino green python skin (love it but how to bring out?!) and a cranberry pink from Tangs.

Here's the reply from AVA with regards to my query on python skin bags:

Thank you for your email below regarding the belowmentioned.

2 All pythons are protected species under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Hence, any import/export/re-export of pythons, including its parts and derivatives such as handbags, requires CITES permits.Currently, the imports of manufactured products made from reptile skins for personal or commercial purposes into Singapore do not require the issuance of CITES import permit. However, please ensure that the shipment is accompanied by a valid CITES export/re-export permit from the exporting country (country from which you purchased your product). This is to facilitate the issuance of a CITES re-export permit from Singapore subsequently.

3 Pls do not hesitate to contact me for further queries. Thank you and regards.

However, it seems that the python skin bag I'm looking at is really sold out. Yet to hear from Sari Brown (owner of Lux Couture) regarding backdated orders.

[barbiegirl]

Anyone knows where can i get snake skin bags locally?