Croc Stock

See you later, alligator. Crocodile is the exotic choice for tony accessories this fall. A rich assortment of extras radiates confident chic. So compelling is the skin, designers even like it when it’s fake—and it can be hard to tell the difference. Take, for example, the sleek, Hitchcockian clutches in autumnal colors from Giorgio Armani and Salvatore Ferragamo. One is real; one faux. Both are the epitome of edgy elegance. Meanwhile, at Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs favors shine, shine, shine for his extra-high-gloss, stamped, patent-leather bootie perched high on a stacked heel. And at Yves Saint Laurent, Stefano Pilati prints the reptilian pattern on a cashmere scarf. It’s one sexy beast.

Clockwise from top right: Giorgio Armani’s croc-stamped leather bag, $1,250, at Giorgio Armani, 212.988.9191; Salvatore Ferragamo’s crocodile bag, $9,500, at Salvatore Ferragamo, New York, 800.628.8916; Louis Vuitton’s printed patent-leather bootie, $1,102, at Louis Vuitton, 866.VUITTON, louisvuitton.com; Yves Saint Laurent’s cashmere stole, $595, at Yves Saint Laurent, 212.980.2970, ysl.com.