New York store transformed to pay tribute to ‘The Wizard of Oz’

By Matthew B. Zeidman

NEW YORK (Hollywood Today) 9/5/08 – Fans of the 1939 classic “The Wizard of Oz” marked the film’s 70^th anniversary on Aug. 25, and on Thursday, in honor of the movie milestone, Saks Fifth Avenue transformed the entire eighth floor of its flagship Manhattan store into a gallery of ruby slippers that would have made even the late Judy Garland proud.

Officially titled The Wizard of Oz Ruby Slipper Collection, attendees at the dedication party were treated to a bevy of re-imagined red heels studded with Swarovski crystals and created by 19 designers and fashion houses, including Manolo Blahnik, Jimmy Choo, Diane von Furstenberg, Oscar de la Renta and even rocker Gwen Stefani.

Celebrities that came to the bash, which was awash in champagne and Evian, included Nigel Barker of “America’s Next Top Model,” talk show hostess Wendy Williams and de la Renta himself.

Several actresses dressed as the iconic Dorothy lined the party, posing for photos and manning their charity stations, where generous passersby could purchase ruby-red bracelets, made with the same Swarovski sparklers as the slipper reproductions, for $20 apiece.  All proceeds were earmarked to benefit the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, and the bracelets will remain on sale at Saks for the philanthropic who were unable to attend Thursday’s gathering.

The VIPs, who were all slowly, but surely, granted access to the party (“Everyone in New York is a VIP”, one of the event coordinators told frustrated Fashion Weekers waiting on line outside), were not left hungry.  An endless supply of bite-sized treats, including classic sliders, apple-chutney-and-brie dumplings, crab cakes with mustard sauce and a dish dubbed “chicken brulée” added an elegant and satisfying touch to the evening, as did dessert: tiny red velvet cupcakes and strawberry-swirl cheesecake squares.

Of course, no tribute to “The Wizard of Oz” would have been complete without a piece of actual memorabilia from the movie, and aficionados were not disappointed.  In the middle of the floor, behind glass, lay a pair of actual ruby slippers worn by Garland during promotional photography for the film.  One of the producer’s granddaughters, who came to the bash wearing a modern red pair of her own, must have been proud.

Photos by Matthew Zeidman