The Wizard of Oz, Bugle Bead Ruby Slippers

made from scratch movie costume

My first attempt at the fabled bugle bead shoes.  The glass bugle beads measure approximately 2mm in length by 1.5mm wide and I estimate that somewhere between 14,000 and 15,000 were used.  These were hand beaded on georgette overlays.  The base shoes were custom made, and the heels used on them were salvaged from an unwearable pair of 1930's shoes.  It's easy to see why beads of this style were Adrian's first choice for the slippers - the sparkle, especially in person, is unparalleled.  I will be crafing a second pair with more ornate additional beading sometime in the future.