SKIN ON SKIN: Any avid "Sex and the City'' viewer knows that Kim Catrall's character, Samantha Jones, has no problem baring some skin — but now she's wearing some skin. Jones, who has an affinity for accessories — think the Hermès Birkin bag episode — has moved on to a new look: crocodile. The actress filmed an outdoor scene in Los Angeles recently for the "Sex and the City'' film carrying a gilded Nancy Gonzalez crocodile tote with a matching leash for her puppy.

BANANA REPUBLIC SET FOR LONDON: Banana Republic has set the date for its London opening. The brand has confirmed it will unveil its first U.K. flagship on March 20 on Regent Street. "London has the potential to be a strong market for Banana Republic, and our customers in Europe have expressed a great deal of interest in us bringing the brand here," said Stephen Sunnucks, president of Gap Inc.

The 17,000-square-foot store, in the former Dickens and Jones building not far from Oxford Circus, will sell men's and women's ready-to-wear, accessories and personal products alongside its new upscale label, Monogram. The store interior will incorporate Banana Republic's clean signature style with the historic architectural features of the building. The statement added there would be an emphasis on customer service. To wit, the store will offer a multilingual concierge and personal stylists, available by appointment.