First off, let’s be real: those Armadillo shoes McQueen designed? The ones that look like something straight outta a sci-fi nightmare, but, like, in a *good* way? Yeah, *those* are expensive. Like, “sell your kidney and maybe your car” expensive. So, naturally, where there’s a super-hyped, super-pricey item, there are folks tryin’ to cash in with knock-offs.
And the internet, bless its chaotic heart, is *full* of them. I saw some stuff about like… Amazon and Shein? Like searching that plus “armadillo shoes” will get you something, which… makes sense, I guess. Shein sells *everything*. But seriously, if you think you’re snagging the real deal from Shein for, like, twenty bucks? Honey, wake up and smell the fake leather. You’re getting a reproduction, a replica, a *copy*. A really, REALLY cheap copy, probably.
Now, I’m not gonna lie, I’ve been tempted. I mean, who *wouldn’t* want to rock those things? They’re practically wearable art, right? I saw Frida Gustavsson rocking them in Vogue Germany back in 2010, and I was *sold*. But then I remembered my bank account and, well, reality hit.
So, the question is, are these “reps” worth it? That’s a toughie. On one hand, you’re not supporting the original designer. McQueen was a genius, and ripping off his work feels…icky. Like, I’d probably feel bad, a little.
But on the other hand…thirty cm high “claw-like menace with the beauty of a ballerina’s”? Who *wouldn’t* want to wear that out to the grocery store? (I’m kidding…mostly).
And then there’s the quality. I mean, come on. You’re buying something that’s *trying* to look like a masterpiece, but probably made with the cheapest materials imaginable. Think cardboard and hot glue. Maybe I’m being harsh. Maybe some of the “high quality reps” are actually…decent? I dunno. I guess the Kick Club thinks so? But I’d be super wary. Imagine them falling apart mid-stride? Public humiliation!
I even saw something about armadillo *pants* on Netshoes? What in the actual world? I’m so confused. Is this a new trend I’m missing? Maybe I *am* getting too old.
