As you wold expect the shell bag is amazing artistry in leather. The Arapaima (fish skin) veneer is very exotic and a beautiful look. The only thing about Arapaima (which I was not familiar with) is that it is not as durable compared to the other Birdstrap leathers offered, but it is undeniably gorgeous. Just don’t sit on the bag in your car or on a bench, it will scuff up and break down the raised portion of the skin. The non-arapaima core leather and stitching is "bullet proof" and beautiful on its own.