From The Straits Times    |


Image: Ethan K

Crocodile skin handbags have always been associated with elegance, sophistication and status.

The rare nature of the leather and skilled craftsmanship need to work with this material makes it extra covetable and gives it an intrinsic value independent of trends. 

People are willing to shell out tens of thousands of dollars for exotic bags because they see them as investments that will last them a lifetime.

Many of these bags come from established fashion houses like Chanel, Dior and Hermes just to name a few. 

In Singapore, we have Ethan Koh, a fourth generation member of the family that owns one of the world’s top crocodile tannery.

His exotic accessory label Ethan K, is the best kept secret among the well heeled tastemakers. 

If you are looking to invest in a crocodile bag, Ethan K bags are well worth your money. Let me tell you why. 

1. It’s one of the best home grown luxury brand
We have plenty of great Singapore labels but very few come close to Koh’s success. Ethan K is stocked in iconic retailers such as Harrods, Saks Fifth Avenue and upmarket boutiques in many parts of the world. In terms of sales, Ethan K was ranked as one of the top three luxury accessories lines, alongside big brands like Valentino and Tom Ford at Harrods. 

2. The crocodiles are all ethically farmed 
Recently, there were concerns raised about the ethical treatment of crocodiles. At Ethan K, only farmed crocodiles are used and all the bags are certified by CITES. There is also little waste because even the meat from the animal is sent to the consumer market. 

3. Only the best skins and craftsmen are used 
The bags are only made from the centre cut of the crocodile belly because it’s the softest and most precious part of the crocodile. These hides are treated with traditional tanning and finishing techniques that gives the skin a vibrant hue and makes it soft to the touch. He then brings these skins over to Tuscany and sits in with his artisans to transform them into bags. 

4. Its exclusivity 
Due to the rarity of the skin and how each bag is cut and stitched by hand, Ethan K makes less than 1500 bags per year; no more than 20 pieces per design. Koh is also not looking into mass producing his designs because he wants to cater to a special group of women, who understands understated luxury and value the creative effort he puts into each and every design. 

5. All the cool celebrities are carrying them
Koh’s designs have been spotted on the arms of celebrities such as Carina Lau, Kim Hyun Joo, Rita Ora, Kim Cattrall and the list goes on. Need I say more? 

Ethan Koh and Carina Lau sharing a moment together. 

Carina Lau with an Ethan K crocdile tote bag named after her. 

Dita von Teese looking all glamourous with Ethan K’s clutch. 

Rita Ora strutting out in style with Ethan K’s bespoke clutch.

Still not sure you are willing to shell out for a luxury bag? We break them down into cost per wear for you here to see if these purchases are justifiable.