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.
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.
