Buy one-of-a-kind exotic skin bags in someone’s home

Twice a month, friends and customers gather in Raline Shah’s house for a session of tea and custom-order python-skin bags, all organised via her Facebook group Bags Mania. The 24-year-old designs the bags, which are made by her mum at home in Indonesia, using skins sourced from a friend’s snake farm.

“Combining shopping with a tea party means there’s no pressure to make on-the-spot decisions,” she says. “Because we’re not in a hurry, I’m able to thoroughly go through what each customer’s requirements are, and make sure the result is perfect.”

The small-scale, intimate nature of the parties also means no one else has a bag that looks the same. “Besides keeping our orders small (about 12 a month), I make sure that each individual doesn’t choose the same models and colours. I’m like a celebrity stylist who ensures that no two stars wear the same dress to the same event,” says Raline.

The bags ($400-$1,000) come in a selection of 46 colours, from natural to baby pink, three finishes (matte, lacquer and pearl) and in shapes that run the gamut from envelope clutches to slouchy hobos and Hermes Birkin-esque totes. “It can get pretty taxing, but I’m doing this because I’m passionate about it and enjoy seeing people having fun with the product.” Bring cash or a cheque book to the party, as Raline does not accept credit cards.