The ultimate summertime splurge: World´s most expensive flip-flops will set you back $18,000
Flip-flops, cheap and cheerful staples of summer wardrobes, normally cost less than $20.
What can be so special about this pair, then, which will set one shopper back a smooth $18,000?
Made by Chipkos, ´the world´s most expensive flip-flops´ feature hand-painted art by renowned LA-based artist, David Palmer. But other than that, they look pretty normal. It´s what comes with the flip-flops that really pushes the price up.
Chipkos is run on sustainable principles and adopts 100 square feet of endangered rainforest for every pair of shoes – usually $58 – sold.
By buying the $18,000 pair, Chipkos pledges to adopt 100,000 square feet of rainforest ´for the protection and preservation of land, species and natural resources.´
The beach shoes, made from raffia, recycled rubber and EVA, also come with a private meet and greet with the artist, who is known for his bright, abstract works. Then, there is the ´two-night stay at the luxurious and eco-friendly Montage Hotel in Beverly Hills´ to consider – the plush hotel has received several green credits for its sustainable building design.
The buyer will also receive a one-of-a-kind hand painted piece of art by Mr Palmer, a mahogany wood and glass display case, a certificate of authenticity and let´s not forget the Chipkos carrying bag – which is, of course, eco-friendly.
You´ll also receive a ´6 gram hand-made solid 18 carat eco-friendly gold Chipkos emblem by Readers Fine Jewelers in Santa Monica´.
Norm Gershenz, Executive Director of SaveNature.Org, says the Chipkos flip-flops ´represent a unique opportunity for a philanthropist to support a major initiative to conserve endangered rainforest land in Costa Rica.´
For those discerning art lovers, these collectors´ edition shoes come with some philosophical weight, too.
Art curator and editor Peter Frank says of the artist: ´…like Rosenquist, Lichtenstein, and others over the past half-century who have painted the visual racket of a consumer society, Palmer manifests not so much a love-hate relationship with the modern condition of image assault as an awe at its immensity and the thoroughness of its presence in our consciousness.´
Oh, and for any potentially interested art wearers, one word of caution: $18,000 doesn´t give you a choice in shoe size. The ´unique´ pair of sandals are only available in a men´s size 8/9.
Via The Daily Mail
Nics xx
