Take a walk on the wild side - for €1.4million

By Graham Hiscott

The stiletto sandals were hand-crafted, using platinum thread. They are set with 642 round and oval rubies, totalling more than 120 carats.

The glittering shoes were created by American designer Stuart Weitzman who says he was "inspired by the most famous shoe ever made: Dorothy's ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz".

Weitzman personally sees his products through the entire manufacturing process. One pair of shoes takes 6 to 7 weeks to make and 80 craftsmen will be involved.

The sumptuous shoes designed in size three-and-a-half will be on show in a bullet-proof case in the shoe department of the Knightsbridge store and will be kept under round-the-clock guard until they are sold.

It has been agreed that £100,000 (144,000) from the sale will be donated to children's charities in Britain.