Snob Essentials

Kwanpen Classic Singaporean Croc

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I am back in LA but wanted to make sure I got this in. The Landmark shopping complex in Hong Kong is the most amazing collection of boutiques, not to mention the convenience of the location in Central. The subway stop is directly underneath, you walk out of the train and the stores are right there at the exit. A new Harvey Nichols just opened and there are the usual fare of international status symbol designers but there are also extraordinary high end specialty boutiques like Kwanpen, a Singaorean line of exquisite crocodile bags. These are a true lady’s bag, the lines are clean and the size petite. Giant hobos are nowhere to be found in Asia, they are just not the thing there. The quality of these croc skins are perfect with large scales. You can see from these images that the scales are in perfect alignment on each bag and all of them are single panels. The details are meticulous down to the interior. Some of the styles have embellished jewel like hardware but I was drawn to the more minimal which gives more prominence to the incredible skins. Even the names of the bags are poetically thought out: the bag on the top left is called the Droplet because of the degradation of the scales but it also alludes to the touch of a woman, light but far reaching. Do you love that or what? I wish I had more time to bond with these bags but this trip was insanely hectic and I only had a moment to drool and then run. If you are in Hong Kong, you absolutely MUST visit this boutique. They also have watches, belts and shoes.


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I want to share my love of Hong Kong with this picture from the Peak, high above the city. How can you not swoon and fall in love with this city? See all those building? They are filled with fabulous designer boutiques!!

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30 comments

  1. Kelly…

    I am very happy you brought up Kwanpen. I am in Singapore and i think they deserve some international exposure. Their crocodile bags are excellent, especially in colors like delicious pink and apple green which i think Tina would really love. FYI…they are using the same Singapore-based croc-skin supplier as Prada and Nancy Gonzalez so there is no doubt on the quality of the material.

  2. Kelly…

    I am very happy you brought up Kwanpen. I am in Singapore and i think they deserve some international exposure. Their crocodile bags are excellent, especially in colors like delicious pink and apple green which i think Tina would really love. FYI…they are using the same Singapore-based croc-skin supplier as Prada and Nancy Gonzalez so there is no doubt on the quality of the material.

  3. I am really impressed with the 4 that are shown here. Te skins are meticulous. And best of all, they don’t pretend to be something else (i.e. knocking off another famous design).

  4. These bags look so perfect, the colors are discreet and the sizes are normal. But they lack something, that I want from my bag :character!

  5. Wow..these are amazing. The colors are like jewels! I love the minimal detailing which doesn’t take away from the beautiful skins!

  6. I’ll freely admit that I don’t know exactly when the Louis Vuitton Damier Neverfull came out. I remember it was still hotly anticipated the last time. and sometime between then and now, it showed up on eLuxury as a new arrival. And you know what? I love it. It’s not as obvious as Louis Vuitton’s monogram version, but it’s still insanely practical, simple, and chic. It’s a big that can be used year-round for years to come, and in an uncertain economy, longevity of a bag’s design is something that’s on the minds of more and more people. We all know that Vuitton’s canvas wears like few other materials, and a bicolor material like Damier can be paired with a variety of clothing choices. For maximum versatility, I’d go with the MM – not too big, not too small, perfect for lots of uses. Buy through eLuxury for Retail Price: $139.80 Wholesale Price: $118.80

    http://www.europehandbag.com/louis-vuitton/damier-canvas-neverfull-gm-handbag-lv-n51106.html

  7. I’ll freely admit that I don’t know exactly when the Louis Vuitton Damier Neverfull came out. I remember it was still hotly anticipated the last time. and sometime between then and now, it showed up on eLuxury as a new arrival. And you know what? I love it. It’s not as obvious as Louis Vuitton’s monogram version, but it’s still insanely practical, simple, and chic. It’s a big that can be used year-round for years to come, and in an uncertain economy, longevity of a bag’s design is something that’s on the minds of more and more people. We all know that Vuitton’s canvas wears like few other materials, and a bicolor material like Damier can be paired with a variety of clothing choices. For maximum versatility, I’d go with the MM – not too big, not too small, perfect for lots of uses. Buy through http://www.europehandbag.com/louis-vuitton/damier-canvas-neverfull-gm-handbag-lv-n51106.html

  8. I’ll freely admit that I don’t know exactly when the Louis Vuitton Damier Neverfull came out. I remember it was still hotly anticipated the last time. and sometime between then and now, it showed up on eLuxury as a new arrival. And you know what? I love it. It’s not as obvious as Louis Vuitton’s monogram version, but it’s still insanely practical, simple, and chic. It’s a big that can be used year-round for years to come, and in an uncertain economy, longevity of a bag’s design is something that’s on the minds of more and more people. We all know that Vuitton’s canvas wears like few other materials, and a bicolor material like Damier can be paired with a variety of clothing choices. For maximum versatility, I’d go with the MM – not too big, not too small, perfect for lots of uses. Buy through eLuxury for Retail Price: $139.80 Wholesale Price: $118.80

    http://www.europehandbag.com/louis-vuitton/damier-canvas-neverfull-gm-handbag-lv-n51106.html

  9. I lived in HK and Kwanpan boutique has been around. As beautiful as their bags, they seem more of favourite for “Tai Tai” (lady who lunches). I’ve brought one blue/grey croc the style of Alma LV. There is a sale on, 50% is $1730.

    I loved the style that looked like Birkin but can not decide between orange, pink or apple green.

    Can bagsnob advise which colour would be more classic and last through fashion trends.

  10. Kelly, there are two Kwanpen shops. The one at Landmark is the more traditional, conservative, old woman shop. The one at IFC building is the younger, hipper, more edgy cousin.

    I always think their shoes are better then their bags, because the bags, well do kind of resemble Hermes copies from Florence. Also, they make their skins very shiny sometimes which detracts from the quality (which is very good). Their shoes are of simple and offbeat original designs that really allow the skins to show through and are much better quality than the skins used on designer shoes.

  11. Kelly I love the lipstick pink….they are very simple classic chic looking bags…how much does one set you back…also what are the dims of the bags?!

    L.xo

  12. kwanpens quality can match some of the fashion maisons in europe…they used to use only porsus crocodile but have expanded to niles crocodile!!

    in asia the scales of porsus and niles are more treasured…as they more uniformed ……..and considered more beautiful!!

    they also do custom order in s`npore!!

  13. I am presently considering between a Valextra and a Kwan Pen. For the same price, which one should I get? A soft buttery well made Valextra or a gorgeous exotic croco Kwan Pen?

  14. I would go for Valextra. I have been to the boutique of Kwanpen and personally think its disgusting to copy hermes birkin, kelly and bolide. No doubt the quality of the bags, but would u wanna pay for an obvious knockoff? Valextra has timeless designs with their own definitely style…

  15. Yea true… saw their exact copy of birkins before and felt it was rather foolish to be accused of not being able to afford the real one… regardless if it is in croc. doesnt serve the brand any purpose, but they do have some nice designs…

  16. Dear Anonymous,

    if you don’t know where’s Singapore, please look up your map. Kwanpen have over half a century of experience in this field and they own a building dedicating to their work and expertise in Singapore. Their QC is really tough. One might pinpoint they having copies of Hermes bags but you can’t deny their meticulous work.

    so look before you say, they’re made in china.

  17. I am crazy about Kwan Pen and bought those I own from IFC mall. They are not cheap at all!!! Ranging from US$2,000 to US$6,500. Their colors are exquisite and workmanship a fine work of art. Their crocs grass greens, blush pinks and wine red are glorious.

    I do not buy those that look like Hermes birkin knock offs because I don;t really like how they look.

  18. Is Kwanpen prices cheaper in Singapore than in HK?

    I will be travelling to SG, and wondering if I can get some kwanpen bags cheaper in SG.

  19. Since you are going to SG. You must stop by Kwanpen@ Renaissance. The Singapore government is promoting Singapore made product that is well-known oversea. Check out the price there, you will be surprise to find some good bargain.

    Enjoy yr trip and the Great Singapore Sales.

  20. kwanpen has opened a branch at Ion Orchard, Orchard MRT station. just bought one with a 20% discount and some free accesoories thrown in. u might like to look them up.