One of the things about the fashion industry that can be quite entertaining is how it sometimes goes way over the top to introduce a new offering. Take this story I found on Perr-Bear….

LONDON (AFP) - To their high society owners, a pair of haute couture shoes can be a precious thing. But to guard a 62,000 pound (120,000 dollar) pair of ruby, sapphire and diamond-encrusted Rene Caovilla sandals at their London launch, retailer Harrods went to extreme lengths: bringing in a live Egyptian cobra to patrol the shoe counter.

Whether hiring a poisonous snake is, strictly speaking, the most effective means of guarding precious footwear might be a moot point with security experts. But it makes for a pretty effective photo opportunity.

A spokeswoman for Harrods admitted that the cobra had been hired strictly for Monday’s launch of the shoe collection. “The snake has now been returned to its owner,” she said.

So no need to fear snake bites at the shoe counter, then? “Not unless you’re a burglar,” the spokeswoman said.

The killer heels (No Dawn, you can’t have them!) were designed by Rene Caovilla, renowned for using rare jewels on his glamorous shoes popular among the celebrity set; Caovilla clients include Diane Kruger and Carmen Electra. This “creation” is the limited edition “Nyssia” sandal. The cobra featured on the shoes has eyes made of rubies and wears a brilliant-cut 3.5-carat diamond and crown on its head. The sinewy body is studded with round-cut, pave-set sapphires: a total of 20.60 carats.

Impressed? I’m sure Cedrick the Snake was a big hit at Harrod’s. But he may want to lay low for a while. Cobra skin is sometimes used to make couture shoes; he might become the next Caovilla “creation”… Video