Mobile Bedazzle: Art on the Go?

Rhinestone encrusted leopard print phone case

They’re everywhere. You can see them hanging on walls from ceiling to floor, some slightly more blinding than others, yet all incredibly ornate and exquisitely detailed. They’re meant to protect, but more alluring are the pretty rhinestones that promise to beautify even the ugliest of cell phones.

From animal prints to 3-D designs, bedazzled phone cases are taking over the cell phone accessories shops in the Fashion District. What at first glance might be dismissed as a mass-produced fad, close inspection will more often than not reveal surprising detail. It’s kind of like art on the go, to keep your creativity sparkling (pun intended) every time you reach for your phone.

Skull and princess crown "pop-up" jewel design

Not all phone cases are created equal. Prices range from $10 for a standard rhinestone encrusted case to $20-$25 for “pop-up” jewel designs. If you want a specialty design, think pop culture characters and one-of-a-kind pieces, prepare to shell out $40 or more.

Insider Tip: If you find a case you absolutely love, take it. It probably won’t be there next weekend. Vendors say their most popular designs will sometimes sell out within days of their arrival. If you’re favorite is sold out, come back in a few days. They're always adding new inventory.

Don’t know where to start shopping? Try here:

Cellular Space 1059 & 1293 Maple Ave. (in Santee Alley)
323-271-6091

Celluares Accessories
1037 Santee Alley
323-979-8831

Royal Cell Phone Accessories
1119 C. Maple Ave. (in Santee Alley)
323-286-2084