BURBANK, Calif. (July 17, 2008)—Dorothy wasn’t the only one transported by the magic of her ruby slippers in The Wizard of Oz. Now, 70 years later, Warner Bros. Consumer Products is joining forces with Crystallized Swarovski Elements to pay homage to the iconic shoes by inviting some of the industry’s top shoe designers to create their own glimmering versions. The Wizard of Oz Ruby Slipper Collection will be auctioned off and the proceeds will benefit the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation.

Betsey Johnson's ruby slipper 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,” says Karen McTier, executive vice president of domestic licensing and worldwide marketing for 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.”

Such notorious designers as 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 pieces for the collection.

Ruby slipper sketch from Jimmy Choo

“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,” adds Nadja Swarovski. “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.”

Tackling the task of constructing a shoe Dorothy would wear if she was alive today, the designers have been granted creative license and access to unlimited Crystallized Swarovski Elements for their pieces. The Wizard of Oz Ruby Slipper Collection will be on display for one week and officially unveiled in the famed Saks Fifth Avenue windows and 10022-SHOE, the designer shoe salon that’s so big it has its own zip code. On Sept. 4, an in-store gala event benefitting the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation and its annual Kids for Kids Family Carnival will kick off Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York.

The Collection will also be displayed at an installation surrounding the well-known fountain area at the Bryant Park tents, home of New York Fashion Week, beginning Sept. 5.

“It’s only appropriate to bring such a cultural icon to center stage at this season’s Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week,” says 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?”

The collection will also be shown at Miami Art Week coinciding with Art Basel Miami Beach December 4–8, and additional public viewings are planned throughout next year. The Wizard of Oz Ruby Slipper Collection will then be auctioned at a gala event next fall.

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