Outrageously Expensive Socks by Rodarte

by Marsha Reid (RSS feed)
Oct 21st 2010 at 7:00AM

Rodarte is a unique fashion house – and that's an understatement. The masterminds behind the brand, designers Kate and Laura Mulleavy, posses an eccentric sense of style that always provokes buzz (whether positive or negative) and anticipation for their runway shows and latest creations. So it comes as no surprise that they would release hand crocheted knee socks with a dizzying price tag of $500.

Yes – for socks. Socks that are not made from leather, are not bejeweled with Swarovski crystals, have not been worn by Michael Jackson, and are not filled with $500 in cash. They're made from alpaca and mohair and don't appear to offer much warmth given their numerous holes. And please don't throw them in the wash, spot cleaning only. While it's hard to justify $500 socks, I do like the color scheme and it provides inspiration to knit myself a pair for the cold winter months ahead.

Tags: accessories, alpaca, mohair, rodarte, socks

Filed under: Apparel

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Lori Oct 23rd 2010 7:39AM

ridiculous, crazy, ugly, wasteful, irresponsible.

Vickie Oct 23rd 2010 8:03AM

P.T. Barnum said there's a sucker born every minute. Which is exactly what you'd have to be to buy these socks.

Martha Reese Oct 23rd 2010 9:07AM

Socks that cant be washed.....YUK YUK !!!!!!!!!!!

Priscilla Oct 23rd 2010 11:19AM

I love the real soft ones. Http://www.couponcodesdiscounts.info They're not very expensive and you can wash them in with your regular wash.

Barb Oct 23rd 2010 9:31AM

Looks like something my 8 year old granddaughter would make - hers would be prettier though. What a complete waste!

tealgurl14 Oct 23rd 2010 10:04AM

This just goes to show you that people with money will buy anything.....

victoria Oct 24th 2010 9:59PM

My nanna could have been a millionaire!!! She crocheted all the time!! Could've had nanna make us some expensive socks!!

proartist Oct 23rd 2010 10:19AM

People may scoff at the cost of these socks but if they actually considered the LABOR that goes into truly handmade socks plus the cost of the exquisite materials, they may better understand. Each pair of handknit (not crocheted) socks contains as many as 30,000 individual stitches and could take as long as 15-20 hours to complete. Even at approximately minimum wage you begin to see. But, in this case with couture designers, I doubt the original creator even received that minimum wage. It's a fallacy that the socks could not be washed. Not MACHINE washed yes, but such fibers do lend themselves to cool/cold water hand washing and would do just fine. While, I agree no one in their right mind would pay so much for a pair of socks, the price DOES reflect fine craftsmanship, materials, and perhaps a stitchery artist who understands the economic VALUE of their work.

Can't you read! Oct 23rd 2010 10:40AM

Why bother though. Pass out coats or blankets to the homeless. Volunteer those hours at a animal shelter. Do something better w/ your time. Don't make $500 socks! It's just ridiculous!!!!

jay Oct 23rd 2010 10:42AM

you are exactly right! The time involved means they cost alot and alpaca is 20 bucks or so an ounce.

Jeff Oct 23rd 2010 11:46AM

They are socks on your smelly feet, who will truly "appreciate" these most beautiful items. How about a sock hat or something. Oh and yes my grandmother from scandinavia did hand stitching that is even done anymore any guess what no-one could care less. I'll go buy a painting instead. That I will truly enjoy. I hope macrame'
makes a comeback!

Can't you read! Oct 23rd 2010 10:37AM

....and some dumbass will buy them.

Jeff Oct 23rd 2010 11:30AM

I can only afford one. But they so look well worth it! How much is a custom suit for my annual office christmas party. Sorry kids no presents but you get to share my sock in these off times! I will stick an orange in it for you.

jayef0503 Oct 23rd 2010 11:37AM

If this company wants to cater to people who are both rich and stupid, they should be allowed to.

deeannan Oct 23rd 2010 12:54PM

These socks are definitely crocheted, not knit, and as such it would only take a couple of hours to make the pair... not 15 to 20 hours as stated by proartist. Whatever "stitch artist" created this atrocity, has the ego and self perspective of Obama... completely out of touch with reality!

Fran Oct 23rd 2010 1:17PM

And I thought that Smartwool socks were expensive at $15-$20 per pair. But at least they are worth it.

Amy Oct 24th 2010 3:57PM

I can crochet and knit proficiently, and I have used the type of yarn the socks are made from. Even the highest-quality materials shouldn't run above $50 for the pair. I'll be happy to make some for you if you really want them...I'll even knock off half the price! At that rate, I'll be making a tidy "little" profit ;)

This is ridiculous. As someone who works with textiles a lot, I also have to point out that knitted socks are more comfortable and better-fitted than crocheted ones, which is why many more knitters than crocheters make socks.