World famous designers to re-imagine Iconic Ruby Slippers

17 Jul '08

4 min read

“If Dorothy were living in the 21st century, what would she wear?” is the question being answered by The Wizard of Oz Ruby Slipper Collection, a creative re-interpretation of one of film's most iconic and revered symbols that has captured the hearts and imaginations of people the world over.

In anticipation of the 70th anniversary of The Wizard of Oz in 2009, Warner Bros. Consumer Products in partnership with CRYSTALLIZED - Swarovski Elements, have invited the world's top shoe designers to reinterpret Dorothy's iconic Ruby Slippers for modern times. The exclusive collection will be auctioned with the proceeds benefiting the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation.

Contemporary works of art from the likes of fashion masterminds A. Testoni, Abaete, Alberta Ferretti Betsey Johnson, Botkier, Christian Louboutin, Diane von Furstenberg, Giuseppe Zanotti, Jimmy Choo, L.A.M.B. by Gwen Stefani, Lisa Pliner, Manolo Blahnik, Moschino, Oscar de la Renta, Roger Vivier, Sergio Rossi, Stuart Weitzman, Tibi, and Tuleh will compose The Wizard of Oz Ruby Slipper Collection.

“The Wizard of Oz is a quintessential and endearing story that has touched countless people all over the world during the last 70 years,” said Karen McTier, Executive Vice President of Domestic Licensing and Worldwide Marketing, Warner Bros. Consumer Products. “We are proud to be the stewards of this timeless classic and are excited to share with fans the beautiful and fun modern interpretations of Dorothy's Ruby Slipper with this exciting new collection.”

Nadja Swarovski adds, “We're thrilled to turn fashion's spotlight on the most iconic pair of shoes, Dorothy's Ruby Slippers, to celebrate the 70th anniversary of The Wizard of Oz. As Hollywood's premier crystal purveyor, Swarovski feels privileged to be a sparkling element of the original pair and now, we are looking forward to new creative interpretations of the Ruby Slipper for the 21st century by these talented designers.”

The designers have been granted creative license and access to unlimited CRYSTALLIZED - Swarovski Elements to re-imagine Dorothy's design with their own modern vision of the sparkling Ruby Slipper. The Wizard of Oz Ruby Slipper Collection will be on display for one week and officially unveiled at Saks Fifth Avenue – in the famed Fifth Avenue windows and 10022-SHOE – the designer shoe salon that's so big it has its own zip code. A

n in-store gala event on the evening of September 4 will launch Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York. The event will benefit philanthropic partner Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation and kick-off support for the Foundation's annual Kids for Kids Family Carnival.

Steve Sadove, Chairman and CEO of Saks Fifth Avenue said, “We are so pleased to be hosting such a creative and innovative tribute to the American classic film The Wizard of Oz. The Ruby Slippers play an integral role in the film and Saks Fifth Avenue is honored to be the destination for the most celebrated designers and their contemporary take on these iconic shoes.”

More Saks Fifth Avenue News... More Fashion News - United States Of America...