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Real-Life Ruby Slippers

Rhonda Zwillinger Encrusts Vintage Objects in Beads

— May 9, 2009 — Fashion
Rhonda Zwillinger is an amazing artist who encrusts belongings from her past with amazing glass beading. Shoes, furniture and candelabras are all items which have had this treatment.

It is the shoes which I have fallen in love with most, however. As you can see, they have had a staggering transformation into real-life ruby slippers rather than secondhand shoes which would normally head to the charity shop.

Implications - This example illustrates the importance of offering customization to a product line. North American society is very individual-centric, and as such, many consumers will resort to modifying their own products in order to differentiate themselves from their peers. Corporations who offer a wide variety of products with limited amounts of quantities will likely enjoy great financial success due to the sense of exclusivity that their product lines create.
Trend Themes
1. Customization - Offering personalized products will create a sense of exclusivity and financial success.
2. Upcycling - Transforming old or secondhand items into unique works of art can be a profitable niche market.
3. Artistic Encrusting - Incorporating artistic elements like glass beading can turn ordinary items into luxury products with high perceived value.
Industry Implications
1. Fashion - Customized shoes, bags, and other accessories are increasingly in demand among individual-centric North American consumers.
2. Furniture - Upcycling old furniture with artistic embellishments can attract eco-conscious and design-savvy customers.
3. Home Decor - Artistically encrusted home decor items like candelabras and lamps have the potential to become luxury gifts and collectibles.
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