May 2009
In continued celebration of the 70th Anniversary of The Wizard of Oz in 2009, Warner Bros. Consumer Products (WBCP) announced that it has partnered with FIDM Museum & Galleries to present The Ruby Slipper Collection and Inspirations of Oz Fine Art Exhibition at FIDM/Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising from June 10-21 in downtown Los Angeles.
As part of the exclusive partnership, a design contest is underway that challenges FIDM students to create the best modern interpretation of Dorothy's iconic Ruby Slippers, as well as develop a jewelry collection inspired by the timeless film.
Renowned accessories designer Tarina Tarantino and famed FIDM alumnus Nick Verreos ("Project Runway") will mentor the FIDM students during the design competition.
Working with three major FIDM design disciplines, including Footwear, Fashion and Accessories (jewelry), the budding designers have been given limited time to submit their Wizard of Oz-inspired work for each category.
A panel of fashion experts has been tapped to judge the students' footwear and jewelry and to select one lucky winner from each of these categories. The winners will be announced on June 9.
The winning design in the Footwear category will be added to The Ruby Slipper Collection, and its creator will be flown to New York City for The Wizard of Oz Gala Event this fall. The winning student in the Accessories category will also be flown to New York for the fall event.
The Fashion component is taking place within FIDM's SuperLab, a design hub within the school's program, and four FIDM alumni were selected to create a piece based on characters from the film, including Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man and the Cowardly Lion.
These designs will be showcased at the FIDM Museum & Galleries during The Wizard of Oz Exhibition run.
The Ruby Slipper Collection consists of modern interpretations of the classic Ruby Slippers, as created by noted names in designer footwear and fashion. Debuted in September 2008 at Saks Fifth Avenue to kick off Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York City, designs from 19 of the fashion industry's masterminds are featured in the Collection, including: 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.
The FIDM student winner will join this esteemed roster to complete the Collection as the 20th designer. The Ruby Slipper Collection, in its entirety, will be auctioned off in September 2009 to benefit the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation.
The Inspirations of Oz collection of fine art features one-of-a-kind interpretive works from an acclaimed array of artisans including Angelo Aversa, Romero Britto, Phillip Graffham, Gris Grimly, Marcus Antonius Jansen, Johnny Johns, William Joyce, Joel Nakamura, Nelson De La Nuez, Glen Orbik, Ragnar, Alex Ross, Todd White and Yakovetic.
"These unique collections bring together many of the world's top designers and artists and we are honored to play host to this wonderful exhibition," said Barbara Bundy, Vice President-Education, FIDM.
"We are thrilled to not only provide a platform for bringing these collections to the public but also to give our students the opportunity to be a part of this historic endeavor."
"In this landmark anniversary year, what better way to bring The Wizard of Oz into the 21st century than to exhibit The Ruby Slipper and Inspirations of Oz Collections in partnership with FIDM," said Karen McTier, Executive Vice President, Domestic Licensing and Worldwide Marketing, Warner Bros.
Consumer Products. "The Wizard of Oz provides a unique opportunity to showcase the crossroads of entertainment and fashion. We are excited to share these incredible interpretations with fans of such a timeless classic."
Additionally, the exhibition will feature a sneak peek of Warner Home Video's upcoming limited-edition gift sets, works of art in their own right, that pay homage to the beloved film.
The Wizard of Oz 70th Anniversary Ultimate Collector's Editions, restored in high definition on Blu-ray and DVD, will see the film looking more colorful and more magical than ever.
Packed with treasured collectibles and all-new bonus content, the gift sets will be released later this year. Warner Home Video is also launching a grand Wizard of Oz Hot Air Balloon Tour that will travel across the United States, from Los Angeles to New York, visiting cities and balloon festivals all across the country to promote and celebrate the 70th anniversary of the film.
The Ruby Slipper Collection and Inspirations of Oz Fine Art Exhibition at FIDM Museum & Galleries at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising will consist of 2000 square feet of gallery space, and is located at 919 S. Grand Avenue in downtown Los Angeles.
The Wizard of Oz merchandise and collectibles, including dolls, games, apparel, accessories, novelties and much more is available at specialty retailers.
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