Exclusive: Jimmy Choo, Manolo Blahnik kick off Fashion Week with The Wizard of Oz Ruby Slipper

For those like me who are obsessed with Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in NYC, coming next Friday, September 5 to Bryant Park, this news tip just came into my office on Monday.

Exclusive Unveiling of The Wizard of Oz Ruby Slipper Collection

 OFFICiAL KICK-OFF OF Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at SAKS FIFTH AVENUE

in partnership with crystallized™ - swarovski elements

Exhibition Celebrates 70^th Anniversary of The Wizard of Oz…

An American Fashion Icon

What:         Debut of The Wizard of Oz Ruby Slipper Collection, made with CRYSTALLIZED™ - Swarovski Elements, in the famed windows of Saks Fifth Avenue and in 10022-SHOE serves as the official launch to Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week [MBFW]. Top shoe designers were granted creative license to reinterpret the iconic Ruby Slippers with unlimited access to CRYSTALLIZED™ - Swarovski Elements.

Who:          Participating designers include: 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, Tuleh

                    Additional special guests to be announced.

When:        Thursday, September 4, 2008

Where:      10022-SHOE on Eight, Saks Fifth Avenue, New York (Fifth Ave. and 50^th St.)

Announcement Overview: On September 4, 2008, the highly anticipated The Wizard of Oz Ruby Slipper Collection will be unveiled at the official launch event for MBFW, hosted by Saks Fifth Avenue and Warner Bros. Consumer Products, in partnership with CRYSTALLIZED™ - Swarovski Elements.  This event marks the beginning of a year-long 70^th Anniversary campaign for The Wizard of Oz.

The event will benefit philanthropic partner, Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation. Additionally, CRYSTALLIZED ™ - Swarovski Elements ruby bracelets will be sold exclusively at Saks New York with 100% of the proceeds going to The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, beginning the evening of September 4.

The Wizard of Oz Ruby Slipper Collection will be exhibited in a special installation surrounding the fountain at MBFW’s Bryant Park tents beginning Sept. 5.