# Real-Life Ruby Slippers Rhonda Zwillinger Encrusts Vintage Objects in Beads By Cowbag | Published 2009-05-09 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bejeweled-real-life-ruby-slippers-rhonda-zwillinger-encrusts-objectss-with References: [virtualshoemuseum](http://www.virtualshoemuseum.com/vsm/o.php?id=479&col=material&sub=glass) Rhonda Zwillinger is an amazing artist who encrusts belongings from her past with amazing [glass beading](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/painting-exhibition). 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](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/crystalstudded-clogs) 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](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rocknot). 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 Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 0.9/10 - Popularity: 14% | Activity: 5% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/shoes) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Customization:** Offering personalized products will create a sense of exclusivity and financial success. - **Upcycling:** Transforming old or secondhand items into unique works of art can be a profitable niche market. - **Artistic Encrusting:** Incorporating artistic elements like glass beading can turn ordinary items into luxury products with high perceived value. ### Where This Applies - **Fashion:** Customized shoes, bags, and other accessories are increasingly in demand among individual-centric North American consumers. - **Furniture:** Upcycling old furniture with artistic embellishments can attract eco-conscious and design-savvy customers. - **Home Decor:** Artistically encrusted home decor items like candelabras and lamps have the potential to become luxury gifts and collectibles. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Ultra-Luxurious Crystal Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jimmy-choo-crystal-slipper.md) - [Glittering Ruby Rims](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ruby-red-rims.md) - [Handcrafted Jewelry Brands](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pretty-weird.md) - [Bread-Encrusted Gemstone Jewelry](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rising-collection.md) - [Charm-Accented Technical Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bentgablenits-1.md) - [Crystal-Adorned Crushed Cans](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sam-keller.md) - [Custom Adaptive Slipper Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/swapz-modular-slippers.md) - [Jewelry-Inspired Furniture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/through-chrome-reflections.md) - [Customizable Pet-Inspired Accessories](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ruff-gems.md)