Alexandra Knight represents at The Golden Globes

Leave it to part-time Texan, actress Sandra Bullock, to choose our Large Magnolia bag in Turquoise Glazed Alligator to accessorize the ivory Dior stunner she wore on the red carpet for this year's Golden Globes.

We couldn't be more proud that Sandy and the national media sat up and took notice. OK! and In Touch Weekly credited Alexandra Knight in their Globes Fashion Coverage, as well as the online outlets for People, In Style and Vogue's style.com.

Many ask how the red carpet opportunities present themselves, so here's a little inside info as to how it all goes down. Stars and stylists make requests for bags the week of an event, but we never know who's wearing what until the rest of the world does watching Seacrest 'do his thing' on E!. FedEx boxes fly from our coast to theirs, and, voila! A fashion moment is made!

We can also report that the bag that Sandra carried on the red carpet has already been snapped up and will be carried next weekend at the first-ever benefit gala for The Blanton Museum in Austin, Texas. Like J.T. says, what comes around...goes around! In a good way, of course.

Why is one bag that is alligator so much more than yours and one is cheaper?

There is a great deal of confusion on this issue as the price and quality of alligator/crocodile items can vary widely, and we are going to try to help you figure this out.

We obtain our alligator mostly from Louisiana and the southern gulf coast regions from farms and through legally obtained alligators that are tagged and pulled off the land in September to help conservation. The value and quality of the leather can vary widely no matter where you get it from.


Faye Handbag in red glaze alligator

In general, American Alligator (which is used exclusively for all Alexandra Knight alligator products) skin is much nicer...with more symmetrical scale patterns, thicker and softer skin and with a smoother, three-dimensional feel than the typical crocodile skin. American Alligator skins typically command the highest prices and are the most sought after raw material of the most prestigious manufacturers of luxury items. While there is essentially only one species of alligator ( the "American Alligator" or " alligator mississippiensis"), there are a dozen species of crocodiles in varied shapes and sizes found all over the world. By far the most common is the Brown Caiman from Central and South America (widely used by some designer named Nancy). Most types of crocodile are either endangered or threatened, restricting commercial trade by CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species). The United States government recently initiated a crackdown on the illegal importation of protected species, and routinely confiscates goods shipped from suppliers overseas.


Example of Caiman


Example of American Alligator

We only use Grade 1 or 1/2 alligator as well. There are some designers that will use "genuine american alligator," and their prices are resonantly lower. This is typically because they are using a lower grade skin - meaning the condition of the skin is worse off with more imperfections, scratches and sometimes holes.

I have a genuine crocodile bag and paid a lot less? Yes, and these items are often made from caiman crocodile. While caiman skins can be of good quality, caiman skin is relatively thinner due to the less sophisticated tanning processes on finished products from South America. It is often dryer, stiffer and less durable than even the lesser quality alligator skins. For a buyer, it is unfortunate that this dryness cannot be seen in photos. Caiman can often be identified by small pits in their scales, which is far more common in caiman relative to other crocodiles, and is non-existent in genuine alligator.


bag by that designer named Nancy

In addition to the species of alligator/crocodile, the quality of the skin varies from animal to animal and from what part of the body the skin is sourced. For smooth-skinned items, the premium sections include the central belly and throat areas where the scales are the largest, the most symmetrical around the center-line of the belly: these scales are somewhat rectangular in shape. The sides can also be very good quality; skin from the sides has scales that are more rounded in shape and the skin is a bit thinner. We use only bellies in our bags and refuse to seam and "piece together" parts to save on cost.

The size of the animal is also important. This can offer a clue to distinguish alligator from caiman, since caiman skins usually come from smaller animals (3 to 5 feet in length; compared to 6 to 12 feet for the typical American alligator). With a smaller donor animal the pattern and size of the scales transitions rapidly over the small area of the wallet or purse, such that the shape of the crocodile's body/head/tail is clearly apparent; this can be a good thing depending on the application. Many of our customers remark on the large scales on our bags. We always endeavor to use single skins where we can, which requires the 'big-daddy' gators widely found in the swamplands of Louisiana and Florida.


Victoria clutch in red glaze alligator with red satin ribbon

Hope this little bon mot better explains why your dream bag may take a while to manufacture. Being a smaller company that produces one-of-a-kind, couture bags right here in the USA forces us to be very picky when choosing our skins. Not just any gator will do! You all demand the best and that's exactly what we pride ourselves on delivering.

Our response to the bitter blogger!

We typically don't post negative and hateful blog entries on our site because quite frankly who needs that much out there, but this one, we could not ignore and are devoting an entire blog entry just to the comment!

On 9/22 we received this message at 3:00 pm.
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Alexandra Knight Spotting - 2008 Emmys Red Carpet":

"I can't see the purse, maybe you should move to L.A. where you can sell more purses. I just can't see paying your prices when I have never heard of you."


Thanks for the suggestion that we move to L.A., but we're happy right here in Houston, thank you very much. And, quite honestly, we have such an L.A. following that we find that it's not necessary. After all, we have just as much smog and traffic as they do!

We beg to differ with the fact that you've never heard of us...how ever did you find our website and blog if, indeed, Alexandra Knight has never crossed your mind? If you need a refresher course in all things AK, please return to our website and check out our PRESS section. Bazaar, WWD, Vogue, O, Elle, Departures know exactly who we are, and we certainly are grateful for our cult following.





After the destruction Hurricane Ike thrust upon our city, and specifically the homes of myself and those who work in my office, we were thrilled to share a bright spot in our week with our friends, clients and readers...the fact that Rachel Griffiths had decided to carry one of our bags on the Emmys red carpet for the third time. Please forgive us for our glee, as those moments have been far and few between during the last two weeks without power, water, food and gasoline.



And just for you, faithful blog reader, here is a close-up of the Large Magnolia in chocolate brown glaze alligator.

Best,
Alexandra

Alexandra Knight Spotting - 2008 Emmys Red Carpet

We're feeling a little like a cross between Perez Hilton and a proud parent as we excitedly report that Oscar and Emmy nominated actress, Rachel Griffiths, toted our Large Magnolia clutch in chocolate brown glaze alligator on the Emmy red carpet last night. You may remember Rachel for her Golden Globe winning/Emmy nominated role in Six Feet Under, or like us, tune in on Sunday nights to watch her as Sarah Whedon on Brothers & Sisters. Although she didn't win Best Supporting Actress, she did take home the award for best-accessorized nominee!

Pammie Palooza

We just unpacked NINE Pammie Pouches, and we wanted you to be the first to know! The Pammie was named after our dear friend, Leigh Williams, whose first name is Pamela. We discovered this secret when she ordered the nameplate for her first bag. Diet Coke shot through our both our noses upon hearing this news. We have no idea why this is funny, but it just is. Her nickname was born, and it stuck. Pammie! Always talking a mile a minute and clickity-clacking on her computer the entire time she is talking to us.

"Pammie", or Leigh as this town knows her (and our new office-mate as of October 1), decided that the bag formerly known as the 'XL Travel Pouch' is her signature bag. It is a clutch that holds her phone, credit card, driver's license, valet money, lipstick, powder and her precious La Mer lip balm all at once and looks fabulous at the same time. AND, the price point is perfect for a single gal on a budget. A budget that includes a 'tiny' discretionary fund for bags and shoes. She always says that this is the bag in our line that gets you the most bang for your buck, and we tend to agree with her.



She eventually built a collection of them and single-handedly sold another gaggle by proclaiming them the go-to, group birthday gift of 2007 - 2008. And that is how the XL Travel Pouch (we know...so boring) became The Pammie Pouch. Leigh Williams could not be prouder.



Check out the new fall Pammies in red matte alligator, forest green matte alligator, navy matte alligator, chocolate brown matte alligator, red glaze alligator, black glaze alligator, black and white matte python. For more information on the Pammies, please visit our website at www.alexandraknightonline.com or call us at 713.527.8848.

Prozac Purses

Listen, we are the last people to tell anyone that a little pharmaceutical intervention is a bad thing when one gets the blues, but we feel there's another homeopathic cure to the back-to-school/fall social season is already here/I'm not in Aspen anymore blahs...a brilliantly bright, mood-lifting bag!


Multi-color Fantasia Matte Python


Orange Prima Matte Alligator

Get your heart pumping and your adrenaline rushing with these energizing, electric colors and shapes. Many of the bags you see below (see, we told you they'd put you in a better mood) are perfectly priced for our end-of-summer sale, so your significant other won't need to get his own scrip when the AMEX bill arrives.

This week only, blog readers will get an extra 15% off the sale price. Partake and enjoy. The only side effect we know of is FAJD, otherwise known as Friends are Jealous Disorder...because you took advantage of the sale barganza and they didn't.

The AK Team


India Hobo in pastel multi-color matte python; Kate Clutch in ocean blue glaze alligator with navy lizard trim; Anna Pouch in cyclament glaze alligator


Lila Tote in wisteria glaze alligator; Ellie Clutch in white matte python with orange, yellow & wisteria karung trim


Delano Tote in white ostrich with black matte alligator trim; Maggie Clutch in black glaze alligator with white matte alligator trim

For more information about any of these bags, please call 713.527.8848 or email us at info@alexandraknightonline.com, and to see everything on sale, please visit our website at www.alexandraknightonline.com and click the "On Sale" tab.

Trend Spot: FALL for the FABULOUS!

Ladies, skin is in! Yours AND the exotic kind. This Fall, we are craving everything from slouchy to structured, from oversized to over-the-top! With the dog days of summer coming to an end, it's time to pack up your bikinis & flip flops and unpack your cashmere & boots. What better way to accessorize than with a new fab bag? These are a few of our favorite Fall trends...


JEWEL TONES


Mercury Hobo in forest green matte alligator; Faye Handbag in navy lizard with pumpkin matte alligator handle and gusset; Kirby Clutch in cherry glaze alligator with black glaze alligator strip; India Hobo in violet primavera

Someone said diamonds are a girl's best friend, but we respectfully disagree. We kind of think a girl needs a gaggle of friends (with diamonds surely among them), but that jewels of all sorts should rank among your BFFs. Do ruby, emerald, sapphire and amethyst ring a bell? What better way to add a punch of color to fall's neutral color palette, than with a bold burst of red, green, blue or purple? These colors will easily take you from office to dinner out or from luncheon to gala. If there has ever been a season to forego black as your 'workhorse', every-day bag...this is it.


SHADES OF GREY


Long Corralita in roma grey glaze alligator; Slim Clutch in black and white matte python with black matte alligator trim; Large Magnolia in plomb grey matte alligator; Large Magnolia in natural ring lizard

From the palest dove grey to the darkest anthracite and every thing in between, grey has become the new black. Wear it, rock it, embrace it because it is here to stay. Black, brown and bone will always be mainstays in every bag collection, but grey seems to really make a statement in exotic skin, more so than in leather. Each shade translates so well in all the skins we offer - alligator (especially in glaze, pictured here in the Long Corralita), python, lizard and ostrich. We love it paired with just about everything from a gorgeous evening gown to jeans and a tee.


METALLICS


Large Magnolia in gold metallic alligator; Small Magnolia in silver metallic alligator

Baubles and bling aren't the only way to add a sparkle to your fall wardrobe. Platinum, gold, or sterling silver initially may come to mind, but we are loving pewter and bronze as well. This huge 08 trend is spilling over into 09 in a big way and has quickly become THE neutral to have in your accessory wardrobe, and we don't see it slipping out of style anytime soon. Metallics are proving to be timeless - for the young and the young at heart. We also love finishing alligator skins in a metallic wash to give it an extra va-va-voom!


ANIMAL PRINT


Ellie Clutch in leopard with cherry glaze and black glaze alligator trim and gold matte python strip; Cynthia Clutch in black and white zebra finish alligator

Walk on the wild side and channel your inner Julie Newmar when sporting this trend. For the sassy and the sultry, we offer leopard, zebra and pony to 'welcome you to the jungle'. We really love mixing the different skins (leopard is mixed with python and alligator in the Ellie, pictured here). We introduced the 'zebra finish' on our alligator skins this season. This process takes a darker color like the black Cynthia pictured here in alligator and puts a lighter spin on it, making it perfect for a daytime bag or an evening clutch.

For more information about any of these bags, please call 713.527.8848 or email us at info@alexandraknightonline.com.