# Exotic (and Outlandish) Imports Alibaba Enables Toad Skin Bow Ties and More By Alex Covert | Published 2008-04-20 | Unique Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/toad-skinned-bow-ties References: [trendhunter](http://www.trendhunter.com/alexcovert) & [apncrafts.trustpass.alibaba](http://apncrafts.trustpass.alibaba.com/) Sites like Alibaba are making the world a more interconnected place, which means exposure to exotic (and outlandish) crafts from around the world. In this case: toad skin [bow ties](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/byo-bow). Philippines' very own, APN Crafts, specializes in [purses, key holders, wallets, bags](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ophidian-mini-bag-collection), and phone cases. These aren't your normal accessories, either. Nope, these are made of the tanned skin of a [cane toad](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sapo-concho). Don't let the fact that it is a clip on make you feel tacky... If you want to feel tacky, blame it on those beady little eyes staring up at you. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.0/10 - Popularity: 8% | Activity: 44% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Unique](https://www.trendhunter.com/unique) > [Bizarre](https://www.trendhunter.com/bizarre) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Exotic Crafts:** Opportunity for businesses to explore and showcase unique, culturally-inspired crafts from around the world. - **Cross-border E-commerce:** The rise of platforms like Alibaba enables the global trade of niche and unconventional products, creating new opportunities for entrepreneurs. - **Sustainable Alternatives:** Growing demand for eco-friendly materials encourages the exploration of innovative materials like toad skin for fashion and accessories. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Fashion Accessories:** The fashion industry can tap into the demand for unconventional and eclectic accessories, such as toad skin bow ties and purses. - **E-commerce:** Digital marketplaces like Alibaba provide a platform for sellers to showcase and promote unique and exotic products, expanding cross-border trade opportunities. - **Sustainable Fashion:** Eco-conscious fashion brands can explore the use of unconventional and eco-friendly materials like toad skin, creating disruptive and sustainable fashion offerings. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Creature-Themed Amphibian Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/esenes-worldwide-frog-clogs.md) - [Hand-Blown Skincare Vessels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/scorpion-toad.md) - [Outrageous Toe-Like Sandal Charms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/toe-jibbitz.md) - [Cross-Cultural Footwear Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rahul-mishra.md) - [Frog Inspired Clogs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/frog-clog.md) - [Handcrafted Jewelry Brands](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pretty-weird.md) - [D2C Artisan Marketplaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/artisan-marketplace1.md) - [Tasselled Chain Clogs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/crocs-x-pop-mart-skullpanda.md) - [Vibrant Butterfly Bags](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tyler-mcgillivary-2.md)