Photo of Gretchen Bauer presenting the Python collection, courtesy of BSWANKY

Designed and handcrafted in its very own Sarasota atelier, BSWANKY, a philanthropic and sustainably-made designer handbag line, creates transformational bags with a focus on helping to derail Florida's invasive python species. The Python collection comes fully-lined and wrapped with textured python skin ethically-sourced from the Florida Everglades. “By sourcing locally, we found a way to showcase the rare sought after patterns of the Burmese python, while helping to sustain our natural resources in the Everglades,” says BSWANKY Founder and designer Gretchen Bauer. 

The concept "from hunter to handbag" means BSWANKY is procuring the skins directly from the hunters and hand finishing them utilizing an artisanal layered dying process to ensure the most luxurious result possible. But sourcing properly finished skins in the US proved to be a challenge. "Tanneries exist in Europe and the East that have developed the skills and techniques passed down from generation to generation over hundreds of years who have perfected the process," says Bauer. "Partnering with one of these tanneries is nearly impossible as exporting these skins is a legal and logistical nightmare. When we were unable to find domestic tanneries that could provide the high end finishes our clients expect, we took it into our own skilled hands and atelier. We secured the highest quality dyes from France and spent months perfecting the multi staged system of preparing, dyeing, and finishing the skins with a stunning patinas and finishes that are uniquely ours, again something we pride ourselves on. Throw in the fact that each python skin is different, and that equates to every BSWANKY handbag being a bespoke work of art that rivals the most Iconic European brands."

As attention-grabbing as the textile's 5-ft long, scaly reptilian source, it's no surprise the exotic, luxury bags caught the eye of someone unexpected in Hollywood.

That someone was the set decorator for the new Peacock TV comedy series, Killing It, directed by Mo Marable. In search of a source for luxury python handbags, they reached out to Bauer. “We are, to my knowledge, the only design house who is finishing the invasive python skins to perfection and using them in luxury designer handbags,” she says. Bauer and her team collaborated with the show’s representative on the specific designs to be featured. Within a few short days, an order for 12 Burmese Python luxury handbags in four different styles was placed for use in the show. According to Killing It's representative, the BSWANKY bags were filmed being displayed in a high-end luxury store featured in the show, as well as appearing in additional episode sequences. Described as a comedy about capitalism and one man’s quest to achieve the "American dream," while also hunting really big snakes, the show stars Craig Robinson of the hit show The Office, to play a wannabe python hunter. The show is still currently in production. 

Photo of Gretchen Bauer presenting the Python collection, courtesy of BSWANKY