Rindsberg’s Sneaker Designs Stun for Simchas

South African native Denise Rindsberg built a successful career as the founder of Let’s Celebrate, an event décor company known for its creativity and attention to detail.

For years, she designed spectacular décor for weddings, mitzvahs, corporate functions, and social events, helping clients create unforgettable celebrations.

When Rindsberg retired, she set out for new creative passions and immersed herself in handcrafts like stitching siddur covers, creating intricate button art, and rhinestone wall hangings. These projects allowed her to continue using her talents while developing new skills and landing in a unique niche, combining luxury, personalization, and contemporary style with custom rhinestone sneakers and shoes. Note that the sneaker industry has burgeoned and even Savannah College of Art and Design has added classes in sneaker design.

The inspiration came through a phone call. A mother whose daughter was preparing for her bat mitzvah contacted Denise to inquire if she created rhinestone shoes. Without hesitation, Denise confidently answered, “Yes.” Although she had never created rhinestone shoes before, she began researching and educating herself, diving into this specialized art form. Today, Denise’s custom designs are visually stunning works of art that often become treasured keepsakes. Her shoes are more than fashion accessories; they serve as meaningful reminders of important milestones. One client loved her daughter’s custom bat mitzvah shoes so much that she archived them rather than allow her daughter to wear them again.

A key element of Denise’s success is her collaborative process. She meets with each mother and daughter to discuss their vision. During consultations, Denise presents samples of dazzling rhinestones and offers suggestions designed to complement the daughter’s dress and overall event theme.

She explained, “What makes the experience special is that the daughter is actively involved in the process. She has input in choosing colors and styles, making the final product feel like her own creation. This sense of ownership adds an extra layer of meaning to the finished shoes.”

The craftsmanship behind each pair of shoes is intricate and time-consuming. Completing a single pair typically requires approximately one month. The process begins with sterilizing and hand-painting the shoes to create the perfect foundation. Rhinestones are then applied in carefully planned sections, allowing drying time between stages. Denise uses rhinestones in multiple sizes to achieve flawlessness, ensuring no visible gaps so that every surface sparkles beautifully. Prices start at $200 a pair.

Before production begins, Denise creates several design variations and makes numerous adjustments until the final concept is approved. Once the design is finalized, the process of placing each rhinestone by hand begins. A single pair of shoes may require between 3,000 and 4,000 individual stones. Given the extraordinary level of precision required, Denise relies on specialized magnifying glasses to ensure every stone is perfectly positioned. One of the greatest challenges is avoiding mistakes, since correcting errors after the glue has dried can be extremely difficult.

An important part of Denise’s craft involves using specialized tools. Fortunately, her husband, Frank, who is also retired, builds model boats and has accumulated a collection of miniature tools. Denise has creatively repurposed many of his pliers, tweezers, magnifying glasses, and paintbrushes for her rhinestone work.

Among her favorite projects are custom wedding shoes and sneakers. These often feature dazzling rhinestones with pearls of various sizes, and delicate lace cutouts that coordinate with the bridal gowns. One bride was so delighted with her shoes that she wore them throughout her entire wedding weekend — from the rehearsal dinner to the wedding ceremony and reception, and even afterward.

Perhaps the greatest appeal of Denise’s shoes is that they combine beauty with comfort. Unlike traditional high heels, which can often be uncomfortable and restrictive, her rhinestone sneakers allow females to celebrate in style while remaining comfortable on their feet.

There is no better way to dance the horah than in a pair of sneakers. Christian Le Boutin scoot over!