You can design your Guardian travel safe to be clad in anything from soft leather to shiny saltwater crocodile skin.

FORBES: Connect

Many shoemakers reacted by improving the quality of their footwear, importing Italian pattern-pressing machines and using pricier materials, such as crocodile skin.

ECONOMIST: Free exchange

The most breathtaking of these beauties: a gown made of chocolate crocodile skin, cut into little squares and then individually sewn onto a nude body stocking.

FORBES: Trend-Spotting: Punk-Rock Couture

F-series trucks are the bedrock of sales, says Mr Pack, soft-spoken and dapper in a monogrammed shirt, silk tie and crocodile-skin shoes.

ECONOMIST: Lexington