If I were to start with the word "armadillo" what would come to mind first? This perhaps?
Or would you think shoes?
For these of you thinking "eh? shoes?", don't worry - I was the same earlier today!
After a bit of a Lady Gaga fest, I was a little fascinated with the shoes she was wearing in her "Bad Romance" video which for some reason, I hadn't really picked up upon before. It can be found here at 3 minutes 29 seconds in.
Et voilà! I present the Armadillo shoe...
This is in no way breaking news. I am led to believe that Alexander McQueen first introduced his Armadillo shoe in 2009 where he sent models down the catwalk with them in Paris representing his Spring / Summer 2010 collection:
Other celebrity admirers of the Armadillo have included Daphne Guiness and Kelis:
Apparently the ones pictured here were 12 inches high. Yes, you heard correctly. 12 inches. Scary stuff. It's hardly surprising that some of Alexander McQueen's models refused to don them in one of his catwalk shows this year. Especially that one model who had had several previous misfortunes such as fainting on the catwalk (due to a tight corset).
Now over to you. What do you think of the Armadillo? Weird? Fascinating? Ugly? If money was no object, would you ever consider owning a pair?
I struggle in heels at any rate let alone 10-12 inch ones! The Armadillo is just not practical in any way and I cannot believe that they'd be comfortable. And they sort of resemble a hoof. Or a trotter (sorry it has to be said!). But yet there is something fascinating about them. You've got to at least admire the creativity behind them. Tradition can be boring.
I oddly like these:
Photo: Getty Images
The heel and shape are still a total no-no for me but I do love the sparkle of the embellishment. And the nude colour of the shoe itself. Whilst on the subject of unusual footwear, I also found these:
Car shoes! Read the article here.
Cat walk literally!
Love these! (but more of a display item)
What do you think? Would anyone be happy owning any of these?
Ending this post, I would like to pay tribute to the legend that is Alexander McQueen.
May he rest in peace.