Contemporary Designers Re-Imagine Dorothy's Ruby Slippers For Charity

In anticipation of the 70th anniversary DVD release of "The Wizard of Oz" on Sept. 29, 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.

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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."

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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. An in-store gala event on the evening of Sept. 4 will launch Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York.

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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.

The Collection will also be showcased at an installation surrounding the famed fountain area at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week's Bryant Park tents beginning Sept. 5.

"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?"

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 Sept. 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.

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