Designer Tom Ford, the man credited with saving Gucci has chosen this time of tight purse strings to launch one of the most extravagant items to date : a limited edition collection of fur boots for men, with the top-priced pair commanding $9,240.

The collection consists of three pairs of boots and a compatible fur trapper hat.

There are silver and tan natural fur boots for $5,250; chocolate brown kid fur boots for $4,470 both with rawhide leather laces; and a somewhat dressier pair of natural brown otter fur boots which cost the $9,240.

Sadly, this fur- lined footwear is only for men. And those warm toes?

Priceless.