The notorious London department store went to great lengths to protect a luxury shoe collection – with the help of a live Egyptian cobra.
The slippery security guard was on duty for Monday s launch of exclusive footwear including a $120,000 pair of ruby, sapphire and diamond-encrusted Rene Caovilla sandals.
Whether hiring a poisonous snake is, strictly speaking, the most effective means of guarding haute couture shoes might be a moot point with security experts.
But it makes for an effective photo opportunity.
A spokeswoman for Harrods admitted that the cobra had been hired strictly for Monday s launch.
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.
