The Bite Magazine - Spring 2016 - Issue 15

bitebags from wildlife institutions that follow the extremely strict guidelines of the ‘Rules and Regulations of CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora’, or commonly known as the Washington Convention). Therefore, under such guarded and regulated farming, one can be assured that these precious crocodile skins are humanely grown and harvested ensur- ing not a single piece of the reptile is wasted.This desire to ensure the ethical consumption of crocodile led to the United Nations-CITES in 1970 to decide that trading and commercial utilisation of farm-bred crocodiles to unavoida- bly result in the raising of awareness, interests and funds being generated for the ongoing research and protection of all wild crocodilian species. Seeing as crocodiles reproduce quickly, it is the hope of CITES that these programs to ‘save the wild crocodiles’ will promote safe animal farming of endangered and/ or rare species. Overall, the key princi- ple of this agricultural industry is to be successful so that the domestically raised crocodiles have good commercial values, otherwise their farming would fail. This failure would then result in waning inter- est and support needed for the ‘save the wild crocodile’ programs. As such, Mr. Seng made this preservation and conservation of crocodiles one of the main focuses of product production for his company. This promise ensures that crocodile leather goods will always be in high-demand and generate acceptable commercial returns for the farmers. Seng believed that this could only occur if croc- odile handbags were always associated with prestige and superior craftsmanship, a belief he promised to always fulfil. From here, Seng decided to travel throughout Europe to discover and learn about the best calf leather techniques and technologies. He also closely worked with tanneries and farms in the United States, Australia and Africa to ensure that the leathers met the highest standards of tanning and colouring requirements. This dedication of wanting to apply the finest quality craftsmanship to his goods resulted in his company becoming one of the leaders in crocodile leather handbags. In 1990, through these careful conserva- tion efforts, most crocodile species have been removed from the Endangered UN-CITES list, which is noted as one of the best known success stories among all wildlife conservation groups. This incredible achievement can be seen in KWANPEN’s history, as over the many years it has earned international prestige as one the luxury industry’s ‘must-buys’ for those of the ‘rich and famous’ set. Thus, it goes without saying that today KWANPEN boutiques sell only the finest crocodile handbags and accessories because of their remarka- ble accomplishments in conservational efforts and bold interpretations of fine leather technologies. With such an amazing story, it goes without saying that once I learned of KWANPEN’s ethical sourcing I was totally on board with everything this company has to offer. I have long been an admirer of this alluring and exotic leather, having cooed and swooned over vintage Hermes Birkins and Cartier watchbands made from the grooved leather for years. I once even found an authentic crocodile leather clutch in pristine condition at a vintage store, but being a firm supporter of animal rights decided to pass up the purchase since I couldn’t find finite date for when it was made. I do believe that if the manufacturer/company/brand is ethical and honest, and they use furs/ leathers from non-endangered animals, or if the item is over 60 years old, then I’ll happily buy with a clear conscious. And oh what a happy day it was indeed when I learned KWANPEN was one of those companies. When I visited their newly opened Burlington Arcade flagship boutique in London last Christmas, I was quite liter- ally taken aback by the beauty of the bags and accessories lining the shelves of this elegant three-storied shop. The pristine display of vibrant and bold coloured bags in every size and shape imaginable was almost too much for me. I was greeted by the lovely Serena Ho, the head of retail for the store, and Sally Maier-Yip, their PR representative, who graciously gave me a tour of the boutique and all its glorious products. As we ventured from floor to floor, seeing both the women’s and men’s collections (which both lines include everything from wallets, shoes, belts, travel tags to personal handbags/ travel pieces), I think I may have given a small gasp when they told me that the price points ranged from £200 to £10,000 - an utter bargain in the world of designer leather goods, especially crocodile! He went on to tell me that each and every piece of KWANPEN merchandise is handmade by expertly trained craftsmen and artisans. “Behind every shiny crocodile-skin KWANPEN bag is a team of craftsmen and artisans who slice, glue and stitch it by hand. This painstaking process means that it takes about two days to put together just one bag. Only 300 are made each month by 50 workers at the KWANPEN factory.” These artisans use around 500 croco- dile skins each month, in-house designed hardware made exclusively in Italy, that is plated in 18K gold or palladium to create items inspired by the heritage, characteristics and creative values of the company’s founder. These creations therefore produce elegant, exquisite designs that literally radiate luxury, pres- tige and flawless style. Leonard Kwan, the president of KWANPEN, who now runs the company with his two brothers states,“There’s no secret recipe.We rely on our exquisite craftsmanship and time- less designs to market our bags.” Having now added London to their existing nine storefronts across Asia and Turkey, KWANPEN hopes that this loca- tion will be received by UK customers, as well as by international visitors alike. In honour of this store’s launch, the company also designed a special bag to commemorate the opening. Introducing the KWANPEN Raffles 1819, this handbag pays homage to Burlington Arcade’s history.The numbers ‘1819’ pays respect to when the arcade was first opened, which also coincidentally matches the address of the store there. This date is also the year in which Sir Stamford Raffles landed and founded Singapore as a British settlement. As my tour came to a close, and holiday lights began to twinkle from the looming dark and cold outside, I bid my kind guides at KWANPEN goodbye, promising to return soon to drool over their wares again and hopefully select a piece to call my own. It goes without saying that when it comes to a luxury, designer handbag, nothing can compare to the level of ele- gance and taste that a genuine crocodile handbag can add to an individual’s style. Fashion Editor’s Favourite Products: Handbags: the Raffles 1819 (simply gorgeous!); the Raffles Boxie; the Classic Tourer; and the Pegasus Clutches: Raffles; Duet; and Plateau Leather Goods: the card holders and travel wallet www.kwanpen.com