David Byrne's iconic Alien collection is comprised of a sugar bowl reminiscent of a space ship and 4 espresso cups with a twist—each cup has two handles representing the ears of the aliens. The regular 2001 illy collection Alien cups set was released in a regular gift box but this 2000 special set, that came in a special designed space-ship, was only sold at Collette in Paris. Only 1000 sets were produced. Each espresso cup & the sugar bowl is numbered and signed: 0818, 0881, 0658, 0949 (cups); 0432 (sugar bowl). Condition of all pieces is Near Mint – opened but never used. There are no chips, cracks or crazing and the hand-painted artwork on all pieces is As New (immaculate). The cardboard space-ship insert with cutout slots for the cups, saucers etc. is intact and in good condition but loose (originally glued to the inside of the space-ship). The "protective layer" space-ship cardboard insert is near mint ("Remove before displaying in the [store] window"). Also included is a certificate that mentions that there is a limit of 1000 copies. The outer cardboard box is dented due to storage back and front, though not torn, see pictures for reference. The plastic handle is intact, inner cardboard piece has minor tears.