Alexander McQueen Armadillo Shoes Bring In $295,000 At Christie’s
Rachael Allen
Digital News Editor
Three pairs of Alexander McQueen’s iconic Armadillo boots that were up for auction at Christie’s New York have been sold for a combined $295,000. The boots were on sale at Christie’s from July 14-23.
The auction house did not disclose the sale price of each pair individually. Profits from the online bidding are being donated to UNICEF’s relief efforts in earthquake-ravaged Nepal.
The sales far exceeded Christie’s estimates — the auction house had expected the three pairs of booties to fetch $10,000 to $15,000 each. Christie’s and Alexander McQueen each announced the final sale on their respective Instagram accounts. Neither revealed who purchased the shoes.
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All three pairs were handcrafted in Italy from wood and python skin. Other pairs of the boots have been on display at the McQueen “Savage Beauty” exhibit at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London, which continues through Aug. 2. The exhibition has been so popular that the museum is offering round-the-clock viewings through its last two weekends.
McQueen himself designed the almost 12-inch boot mostly as a showpiece, but a few clients have dared to walk in them. Daphne Guiness and Lady Gaga have worn similar styles.
