Customers often ask us the best method for applying rhinestones to shoes. There are many ways to go about this, with options to embellish the full shoe, part of the shoe such as heel or logo, or simply create patterns on the fabric. There is also a massive choice of flatback rhinestones or craft embellishments available to glue onto shoes. Well, whether you want to decorate a pair of Golden Goose trainers with rhinestones, or add some diamantes to a pair of heels, we are here to share tips and tricks from industry experts.
We’re here once again to talk about the amazing talents of Jane at Crystalled by Jane, an embellishment expert who uses our Preciosa crystals to create bespoke shoes. We recently worked with Jane on a project for the hit musical SIX, where Preciosa rhinestones were used to embellish a pair of boots and a microphone for the Re:Imagining Musicals exhibition at the V&A museum. And now, Jane is back again in need of Preciosa rhinestones and pearls, to embellish 2 pairs of custom made boots for the creators and writers of SIX, Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss. The boots were for the pair to wear at the Grammys 2023, as the soundtrack to SIX had been nominated for Best Musical Theatre Album.
The designer for Toby and Lucy’s Grammy outfits was Gabriella Slade, who also designed all of the SIX costumes, and she wanted an outfit which reflected the spirit of SIX using historical elements, like the ruffs, but that was also modern and edgy.
The fabulous boots were where Jane came in. Both pairs were custom made by LaDuca, who make the Queens’ boots in the show, and had large platforms. Gabriella and Jane came up with the idea of embellishing the platforms in a regular grid pattern of alternate black flatback pearls and Jet crystals. The idea being to reflect the iconic boot patterns of the SIX Queens, but adding a subtle additional texture through the pearls in order to retain the all-black look.
Jane used Preciosa 6mm flatback Jet crystals and black pearls, with Gem Tac glue to adhere to the suede surface of the platform. The combination of pearls and crystals like this was a new technique to Jane, and they were all delighted with the result. Even though the platform was monotone, they were surprised how much the light bounced off the crystals against the pearls. The result was a clear but subtle pattern, exactly what the designer required.
A note from Jane
‘It was an absolute pleasure to be involved in this project and I’d like to give many thanks indeed to you, Poppy and Jen at Crystal Parade, for your endless patience and help in assist me with the selection of materials.’
Find more of Jane’s work on her online store Home - Crystalled by Jane