Dorothy's Ruby Slippers Go New Millenium Glitzy

In anticipation of next year's 70th anniversary of The Wizard of Oz, Warner Bros. has teamed up with Swarovski and some of the world's top shoe designers to reinterpret the iconic kicks for modern times.

If Dorothy were living in the 21st century, what would she wear? is being answered by Christian Louboutin, Manolo Blahnik, Jimmy Choo (illustration below), Moschino, Oscar de la Renta, Roger Vivier, Sergio Rossi, Betsey Johnson, DVF, L.A.M.B. by Gwen Stefani, Tuleh, Tibi, Stuart Weitzman, and Guiseppe Zanotti - just some of the designers granted creative license and unlimited access to CRYSTALLIZED - Swarovski Elements to re-imagine Dorothy's slippers.

As befits such fabulous footwear, The Wizard of Oz Ruby Slipper Collection will be officially unveiled and displayed for a week at NYC's Saks Fifth Avenue shoe salon which so substantial, it boasts its own zip code: 10022-SHOE. An in-store gala on the evening of September 4th will launch Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York and benefit philanthropic partner Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation.

And, like Dorothy, these shoes will be on the move.

Beginning September 5th, they'll help, er, kick off New York's Fashion Week in a week-long sparkly installation around the fountain at Bryant Park, followed by an appearance on September 20th at Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation's Kids for Kids Family Carnival in New York City's Park Avenue Armory Building. Additional stops include Miami Art Week to coincide with Art Basel Miami Beach from December 4-8th, and other public viewings throughout 2009. In the fall, they will be auctioned off at a gala event, with the proceeds benefitting the Elizabeth Glazer Foundation.

"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. 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," says Pamela W. Barnes, CEO and President of the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation. "The Wizard of Oz is a quintessential and endearing story that has touched countless people all over the world during the last 70 years," adds 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."

- Lesley Scott