Above: Sergio Rossi, Gwen Stefani and Moschino's sketches of their versions of Dorothy’s ruby slippers
Above: Faded ruby slippers worn by Judy Garland in The Wizard of Oz, designed by Hollywood costume designer Gilbert Adrian, 1938. His first Arabian-style test pair was deemed too exotic for Dorothy (now in a Private collection.)
The Press Release, May 17, 2008:
Warner Bros. Consumer Products and CRYSTALLIZED(TM) - Swarovski Elements Embark on a Ruby Crystal-Studded 70th Anniversary Celebration of The Wizard of Oz
"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.
Above: Jimmy Choo sketch
In anticipation of the 70th anniversary of The Wizard of Oz in 2009, Warner Bros. Consumer Products in partnership with CRYSTALLIZED(TM) - 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.
Above: Amy Smilovic for Tibi sketch
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.
Above: A. Testoni sketch
"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."
Above: Betsey Johnson sketch
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."
Above: Botkier sketch
The designers have been granted creative license and access to unlimited CRYSTALLIZED(TM) - 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. An 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."
The Collection will also be showcased at an incredible installation surrounding the famed fountain area at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week's Bryant Park tents beginning September 5th.
"It's only appropriate to bring such a cultural icon to center stage at this season's Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week," said IMG Fashion Senior Vice President Fern Mallis. "The Wizard of Oz is a true classic, it will never go out of style and who doesn't want a pair of Ruby Slippers?"
Above: Gwen Stefani, L.A.M.B. sketch
After Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week wraps the Ruby Slipper Collection will make an appearance at Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation's Kids for Kids Family Carnival in New York City's Park Avenue Armory Building on September 20. "We are absolutely delighted to be a part of this re-imagining of the Ruby Slippers--these iconic fashion images that also represent the power of positive thinking," says Pamela W. Barnes, CEO and President of the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation. "We are certain that the Ruby Slipper Collection will inspire the hearts and imaginations of the next generation as we work together to combat HIV/AIDS around the world."
Additional stops for the Collection include Miami Art Week to coincide with Art Basel Miami Beach December 4-8th. Multiple public viewings are planned throughout 2009.
Following a year of being highlighted at special events around the country, the complete and original The Wizard of Oz Ruby Slipper Collection will be auctioned at a gala event in fall 2009 with the proceeds benefiting the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation.
About The Wizard of Oz
The Wizard of Oz is one of the most beloved and iconic motion pictures of all time filled with timeless sentiments and values cherished by multiple generations. Originally released in 1939, more than one billion consumers have experienced the classic story of Dorothy and friends in the Land of Oz
Above: A still from Warner Brother's Wizard Of Oz, 1939
See the finished shoe designs here!
About Warner Bros. Consumer Products
Warner Bros. Consumer Products, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, is one of the leading licensing and retail merchandising organizations in the world.
About CRYSTALLIZED(TM) - Swarovski Elements
CRYSTALLIZED(TM) is the brand name for all loose crystal elements by Swarovski, the world's leading producer of precision-cut crystal. Over the past decades CRYSTALLIZED(TM) - Swarovski Elements have become an essential ingredient in international fashion and design. The unique brand tag "Made with CRYSTALLIZED(TM) - Swarovski Elements" serves as quality proof of the customers' products to enhance the value and provide consumers assurance that they are buying the finest quality in crystal. For more information please visit WWW.CRYSTALLIZED.COM.
About Saks Fifth Avenue
Saks Fifth Avenue, one of the world's pre-eminent specialty retailers, is renowned for its superlative American and international designer apparel collections, its expertly edited assortment of handbags, shoes, jewelry, cosmetics and gifts, and the first-rate fashion expertise and exemplary client service of its Associates. Today, Saks operates 54 full-line stores in 25 states, three licensed stores in Mexico City, Dubai and Riyadh, 49 Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH stores and saks.com, the company's online store.
About Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation
The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation is a worldwide leader in the fight against pediatric AIDS. Its innovative research programs, collaborative training initiatives, advocacy efforts, and rapidly expanding international prevention and treatment programs are bringing dramatic changes to the lives of children worldwide. To learn more about the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation and its programs, visit www.pedaids.org.
THE WIZARD OF OZ and all related characters and elements are trademarks of and (C) Turner Entertainment Co. (s08)Edelman Holly Fussell, 212-704-8132 Holly.Fussell@edelman.com Matt Lifson, 323-202-1047 matthew.lifson@edelman.com or Warner Bros. Consumer Products Kerstine Johnson, 818-954-3821 kerstine.johnson@wbconsultant.com