True Crocodile Tears

If you’ve been reading fashion magazines for a little while, you will have come across – at least once – some fashion editor’s declaration that owning a crocodile leather bag (preferably the Hermès Kelly, or the Birkin at a pinch) is the pinnacle of style perfection to which any self-respecting fashionista must aspire.

The Kelly bag was named after Grace Kelly, Princess of Monaco. [Click through to read about the history of the Kelly bag in greater detail.)Why is crocodile leather considered such a luxury item, I wondered? Is it because these giant reptiles are so lethal that once upon a time dispossessing them of their hide was to endanger life and limb? A little research leads me to discover that though these days crocodiles are farmed, it does not necessarily negate the danger. Of course it is to luxury goods manufacturers’ benefit to tout the beauty and exclusivity of exotic-skin products … just as the ivory from elephant tusks were once so prized so that elephants became critically endangered.

A modern Kelly bag in orange crocodile leather – but what is the truth that lies beneath this exotic skin?A very little research also leads me to discover the horrific conditions some crocodiles suffer under – not all are humanely stunned before they are killed. (If you have the stomach for it, read more on the Daily Mail.) Whatever your stance on the wearing of leather and fur, it must be acknowledged that cowhides at least are a by-product of the meat industry, whereas the market for crocodile meat is very small. Crocodiles are farmed and slaughtered exclusively for their skin, which is then reproduced as $40,000 handbags by designer brands of the likes of Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Prada – and they will accept only the top ten per cent of crocodile skins. To help prevent abuse, each crocodile skin needs a certificate proving it is not in violation of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora [businessoffashion.com].

Well, I am very happy and relieved to report that my crocodile accessories are vintage.

An average handbag can be crafted from up to two crocodile skins (for each of which a farmer may receive $600). The wait for an Hermès Birkin bag can be years-long, but if you’re very impatient and have the cash lying around, you could possibly pick one up on eBay for between $39,000–$150,000. “There are women who don’t care about money that love the beautiful things,” said Gianluca Brozzetti, CEO of fashion house Cavalli. “Demand for crocodile and alligator is large because I think it is one of the trends that never ends. It is a classic.” [businessoffashion.com]

VINTAGE CROCODILES

Well, I am very happy and relieved to report that my crocodile accessories are vintage. The tote bag, which I myself bought many years ago on eBay to use as a shopper (though lately I have been carrying it every day as my work bag) cost me the princely sum of $40. The tiny purse, which fits just enough plastic cards, banknotes and a few coins, was also bought secondhand just a few months ago, from a thrift store for – wait for it – $6. I love it more for its diminutive size than the fact that it is crafted from luxury leather. They are both a little worn, but I don’t care. I love both items because they are pre-loved, and I am glad and proud that I have not added to the burden of tears this world holds already.

Photos: July 2016

Ensemble Disassembled!

A few weeks ago when I was visiting my sister in the hospital I experienced an unfortunate outfit malfunction: one of the two buttons holding up my suede wrap skirt detached!

“I don’t have a safety-pin to give you,” my sister apologised, but I waved that off, as I would not want to pierce the suede anyway. “Don’t worry,” I declared insouciantly, “I’ll be fine! It’ll stay up.” I tucked it in firmly.

Shortly afterwards, I left her room in the ward to go home and discovered my optimism was misplaced. As I entered the lift, I saw my reflection in the mirrored back wall: the skirt had already come down as demonstrated in the photograph above. Horrified, I quickly hauled it up, hoping none of the other passengers entering behind me had seen me come undone.

Then I remembered what was in the tote bag I was carrying: that morning’s secondhand purchase, a grey wool dress by Australian designer Arthur Galan. I can’t ordinarily afford to shop in that store, so I was quite pleased to have found this merino wool dress in a Red Cross op shop for a fraction of what must have been its retail cost. (Red Cross op shops are one of the more expensive chains however, so at $30 it wasn’t super-cheap, though inexpensive for what it was.)

While I have long loved pleats and draping, I had been a bit hesitant about this purchase, as the dress was baggier than I would normally choose to wear. But, I reasoned, it was wool, and warm and a stone grey that I liked (grey is my black) and its roomy fit made it a good choice for those days when one desired a comfortable, relaxed silhouette. So I bought it. I certainly didn’t expect to be so grateful so soon! I made a quick change in the bathroom on the ground floor, and luckily the dress worked with the other elements of my outfit.

Grey dress to the rescue indeed – thank you very much!

Photos: July 2016

Match-making

One of the most enjoyable aspects of treasure-hunting in thrift stores is when serendipity conspires with persistence and rewards unites two things long separated that were clearly meant to be together. Once such example is these two wooden sculptural bangles, bought months and miles apart. I came upon the brown wood bangle first, in a Sacred Heart Opportunity Shop in South Melbourne, and then many months later, its candy pink mate, in a Savers thrift store in Berwick.

It was a delightful surprise to discover how well their twisted asymmetrical shapes blend. They are, clearly, quite cumbersome however, so are not practical workwear; they are still waiting for their night to shine.

Photo: July 2016

What I Actually Wore #117

Serial #: 0117
Date: 20/04/2013
Weather: 16°C / 61°F
Time Allowed: 10 minutes

Several things are amazing to me in this outfit: first, it’s so old! I’m more than three years behind with these stories. Secondly, I actually still quite like it and might even wear it today. And thirdly: MY HAIR! It’s making me want to book a long-overdue appointment with my hairstylist immediately.

The silk dress has a kimono cut featuring the typical enormous sleeves, and a grosgrain belt that peeps through at the front and back, threading through slits at the waist. I really loved those red tights because they exactly matched the colour of the suede peeptoe heels – a sneaky technique to lengthen the legs.

I really loved those red tights because they exactly matched the colour of the suede peeptoe heels …

This dress was a great one for evenings out, and I wore it to a friend’s birthday party in the city. It was a freezing night, and I wore my black vintage 60s faux-sealskin coat, a black velvet cloche cap both of which are fur-trimmed, and carried my 60s black patent bag (all of which I forgot to photograph).

I actually snagged those tights that very evening, and the pull developed into a large hole on the upper thigh. Disappointingly I’ve never been able to find the exact same colour since, even at the same store. The dress I culled from my wardrobe years ago (although I think it may still be in storage), and I wear the coat and hat irregularly as I have so many coats to choose from, so it’s unlikely I’ll be wearing this outfit again after all.

Items:

Dress: Luella
Tights: Sock Shop
Earrings: handmade onyx beads
Shoes: Wittner

Photos: September, 2013

Weather Ears

As a Melburnian, born and bred, I have learned to always keep an eye on the weather and to be prepared for any contingency: umbrellas in winter, cardigans in summer. Sometimes a cardigan and an umbrella in summer. Australians all round the country can instantly recognise a Melburnian tourist because we are the only ones assiduously checking the weather forecast.

It is absolutely possible for Melbourne to be hot in the morning and cold and thunderstorming in the afternoon. In the rainy seasons I am always prepared, carrying an umbrella at all times – and if I am caught unawares (a rare occurrence), then I have an emergency collapsible umbrella in my desk drawer at work.

In the entirely likely event the meteorologists have told the most shocking, bald-faced lies and I am OAA and brollyless, I pull out my rain hat, which I bought from high street store Sportsgirl. My mum used to say to me in all seriousness that in an emergency, I could pull a plastic bag over my head. But I think this rain bonnet is a much cuter option!

Photo: July 2016