Photo: Mike Rosenthal
Jimmy Choo re-imagines Dorothy’s iconic ruby slippers for the 70th Anniversary of The Wizard of Oz.

As part of the ongoing celebration of the 70th Anniversary of The Wizard of Oz in 2009, Warner Bros. Consumer Products says 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.

The partnership includes a design contest now 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. Accessories designer Tarina Tarantino and FIDM alumnus Nick Verreos (Project Runway) will mentor the FIDM students during the design competition. The winning 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 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.

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 Exhibition is open to the general public and runs daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., June 10 - 21.

The Wizard of Oz merchandise and collectibles, including dolls, games, apparel, accessories, novelties and much more is available at specialty retailers. More info at  www.thewizardofoz.com.

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