endangered species act (ESA) and CITES

Exotic skins have been used to make handbags for centuries. There were literally dozens of wild reptile, fish, bird, and animal skins of all imaginable types and sizes that artisans of the past were able to utilize in their search for perfection—an artful exotic skin handbag. Our collection does not promote any articles made from the skins of endangered species. It concentrates on antique and vintage products legally and lawfully manufactured and distributed by leading American brands in the course of the last century, decades before any regulations were put in place. 

Snakes, alligator and crocodile skins have been particularly desirable since their introduction in fashion as ultimate status materials in the late 19th century. As a result, some species were brought to virtual extinction. Currently, from thousands of recognized reptiles, several hundred are listed as threatened in the IUCN Red Book of Threatened Animals for the implementation of international environmental programs in order to recuperate the endangered species and develop ranching industry. 

That's why "recycling" of antique and vintage exotic skin handbags is regarded as a valuable contribution to the preservation of endangered species and don't fall under the Washington Convention (1973) or CITES, (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of wild fauna and flora) aims to protect endangered species of fauna and flora by regulating and monitoring international trade in them.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Our vintage bags come from many different sources and are often not accompanied by documents of authenticity. Involuntary Icon is committed to researching the sources to establish the manufacturer, age and composition even if it is impossible to certify the authenticity of the leathers in each of its components.