Exotic reptile-skin bags are a perennial favourite among women of a certain age and those trying to capture a timeless glamour, but they rarely set the fashion world alight. Hip New York-based handbag designer Jane August has changed that by reviving the luxurious materials. Her vintage-inspired pieces have been snapped up by trendy US boutiques Fred Segal and Bergdorf Goodman and stars such as Renee Zellweger. August updates classics with modern twists: for example, a coin purse is enlarged into an evening bag while a snakeskin tote catches the eye with bold bursts of colour. If exotics aren't your thing, August has a selection of other cool pieces, some made from hand-split leather, that are just as covetable. A small range is available at Sonjia, 2 Sun Street, Wan Chai, tel: 2529 6223.
