Fur, snakeskin and other non-politically correct materials are all the rage at Bulgari, where mink and python are being used to enrich the label's Ascot bags. Or you might prefer accents of lizard-skin, or a luxury leather such as black buffalino (soft, sheer calf) or 'country calf'. The oval-shaped handbags come in a variety of colours: pumpkin, black, brown and burgundy for the leather versions; the mink bags are available in off-white or mahogany. Priced $5,600 to $15,000, from Bulgari, Chater House, Central, tel: 2523 8050.