It looks like those lobster claw shoes from Alexander McQueen’s spring collection didn’t make the production line.  Instead, the house offers a few looks that only take color and material cues from the runway stuff.  Neiman’s sells the back-zip oil sandal and fatigue peep-toe bootie, which def won’t pass for anything in the “Bad Romance” video.

It’s better this way.  Trying to translate the materials and construction to mass production would only lead to sad results.  There aren’t legit shortcuts or economies of scale for making foot-high sculpted serpent sandals.  The challenge was to find practical pieces that suggest the collection’s ideas without ending up with a compromised design.  I guess 4 3/4″ heels aren’t grocery shopping footwear for most, but I’m impressed by the way the sandal brings the McQueen fantasy to something that’s not that far off from other high sandals.

And it works.  A look from the spring summer 2010 collection, worn with a lobster claw shoe:

Versus the sandals:

And a cotton jersey snake print dress:

I’d be ready to pick up some tomatoes at Whole Foods, no problem.

Tags: Alexander McQueen, Fashion/Design, Lady Gaga, Neiman Marcus, SS2010