Here's how it professionally bedazzles, or "strasses," Louboutin heels with Swarovski crystals. Strassing is a great way to create a custom look and upcycle heels that are worn out or damaged.

"You know the ones with the high heels and the red bottoms?" Song lyrics: "These expensive. / These is red bottoms. / These is bloody shoes." Narrator: Louboutin even had the red bottoms trademarked.

The latter lies at the heart of Ancuta Sarca, a London-based brand known for its Instagram-worthy heels made by upcycling existing shoes or garments, or using deadstock leathers. They have become ...