Ok, glamettes listen up because this is for charity. We all know that only thing more glamorous than an amazing pair of heels is if the proceeds of those heels go to people in need. Yes, I have an inner Audrey Hepburn. This particular event is very exciting though, it involves the 70th anniversary of The Wizard Of Oz, the world’s best shoe designers and The Elizabeth Glazer Pediatrics AIDS Foundation.

I usually make it a rule to write all of my own posts word for word. However, I will make an exception this one time, as I want to make sure I convey all of the information correctly.

So, from the official website: http://www.rubyslipperauction.com/ here is the information, feel free to peruse the website and bid on your own pair of ruby slippers. xoxo

From Beverly Hills to Berlin; from big screens to home screens, Warner Bros. Entertainment has for the past year been celebrating the 70th anniversary of an iconic American classic The Wizard of Oz with spectacular festivities spanning the globe. As part of this celebration, Warner Bros. Consumer Products in partnership with CRYSTALLIZED™ – Swarovski Elements invited the world’s top shoe designers to reinterpret Dorothy’s iconic Ruby Slippers for modern times.

“If Dorothy were living in the 21st century, what would she wear?” was the question answered by The Wizard of Oz Ruby Slipper Collection, a creative re-interpretation of one of film’s most iconic and revered symbols which has captured the hearts and imaginations of people the world over. Designers, 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, were granted creative license and access to unlimited CRYSTALLIZED™ – Swarovski Elements to re-imagine Dorothy’s design with their own modern vision of the sparkling Ruby Slipper.

Since its debut one year ago in New York City to kick off Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, the Collection has toured more than 20 prestigious destinations around the world, including Los Angeles, Miami, Paris, Tokyo, Dubai and Melbourne. The Ruby Slipper Collection and original design sketches will now be auctioned online by Charity Folks beginning 10:00 AM EST on September 10 to benefit the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation. The public has one final chance to view The Ruby Slipper Collection in entirety at the Swarovski CRYSTALLIZED™ flagship store at 499 Broadway in New York City from September 10th — 23rd; the exhibit will be run simultaneously to the online auction.

Also featured in the auction are select pieces from The Inspirations of Oz Fine Art Collection which premiered during the highly anticipated and revered Art Basel Miami Beach 2008. An acclaimed array of artists were among the chosen few selected to re-interpret The Wizard of Oz through their own unique visions and artistic mediums. Included in the auction are one-of-a-kind interpretive works of art including painting, drawing and sculpture from esteemed artisans Angelo Aversa, Romero Britto, Nelson De La Nuez, Todd White and Yakovetic.

The auction will culminate at 10:00 PM on Thursday, September 24, with the Warner Bros. Entertainment Emerald Gala, a glorious event at Manhattan’s historic Tavern on the Green hosted by its owner and CEO Jennifer Oz LeRoy, granddaughter of The Wizard of Oz producer Mervyn LeRoy; introducing Warner Home Video’s new benchmark The Wizard of Oz 70th Anniversary Ultimate Collector’s Edition Blu-Ray release on September 29th.

THE WIZARD OF OZ and all related characters and elements are trademarks of and © Turner Entertainment Co.

Please, at least go to the website and have a look. It’s for a really good cause!!!

More pics and info here.

An easy way to make a statement is to wear a bold, vibrant color. Incorporating just one of these items into your outfit is enough to stand out amongst a crowd and to grab some attention.

RED:
1. Diane von Furstenberg, $345, www.net-a-porter.com
2. TopShop, $30, www.topshop.com
3. Dior, $850, www.saksfifthavenue.com
4. Betsey Johnson, $55, www.betseyjohnson.com

BLUE:
1. Adam, $170, www.theoutnet.com
2. Steve Madden, $139.95, www.stevemadden.com
3. CC Skye, $495, www.couturecandy.com
4. Express, $29.50, www.express.com

GREEN:
1. Alberta Ferretti, $728.54, www.mytheresa.com
2. Collection Eighteen, $24, www.chickdowntown.com
3. Chie Mihara, $350, www.piperlime.com
4. Kenneth Cole, $103.60, www.macys.com

YELLOW:
1. Milly, $219, www.theoutnet.com
2. Delias, $109.50, www.delias.com
3. N.Y.L.A., $99.95, www.endless.com
4. Juicy Couture, $34, www.ssense.com

With years of accomplishment under her belt, Betsey Johnson says she’s ready to head for retirement. Following the debut of her latest collection this coming September, Betsey plans to hand over  the success to another designer, while she becomes a “megaconsultant”. 

LINKAGE: Catwalk Queen

Anastasia Chatzka, a Chicago designer that has worked with the likes of Betsey Johnson and Anna Sui, is making a splash in the headband world with these crazy decorated bird and bow bands.  A refreshing change from plain or simple bowed headbands, these are sure to get noticed, and become the perfect accessory!  They’re currently unavailable through Anastasia’s Etsy shop, but her online shop should be up soon! In the meantime, check out the headband collection, among other things, on her site. 

SOURCE: High Snobette

UPDATE: I’ve just received the media kit, Anastasia’s online store will be up VERY soon, and will have all of the S/S ‘09 stuff, including:

This list was too big for just ten. Here’s 20 celebrity hairstyles that just bother us.

1. Kate Goesslin- I’m not really sure what she’s thinking with that little spike in the back. I mean, I know that it’s “her thing” but…why would you want that to be your thing?

2. Cassie/Carmen Electra/Amber Rose/Alice Dellal- Shaved heads on girls = not good, unless you’re a punk, which clearly, none of these girls are.

3. Billy Ray Cyrus- This is better than the Achey Breaky mullet, but the whole surfer/highlights thing is trying a little too hard for a 47-year-old dad.

4. Donald Trump- I don’t even know what is going on. How does he even get his hair like that?

5. Amy Winehouse- The beehive was cool for like, a day, but as soon as Wino started falling apart, so did her hive.

6. Megan Fox at the MTV awards- I don’t even need to talk about this…this makes her head look so oddly shaped, it makes me laugh.

7. Agyness Deyn- Sometimes I really like Aggy’s hair, sometimes I don’t. This looks a little Warhol, back to the drawing board for this mop-top

8. Carrot Top- I know it’s natural, but this is a little too carrot-y and disheveled.  And wtf is up with his eyebrows?

9. Celebrity sons that look like daughters- Cindy Crawford’s son is literally the most beautiful kid I’ve ever seen, but his hair makes him look like a girl. Kate Hudson and Sarah Jessica Parker’s sons also look like they could be daughters. Haircuts, please.

10. Betsey Johnson- I love her designs, but have always hated her hair. 

11. Robert Pattinson- Not my choice, I love him and his crazy hair, but I do agree, it’s a little too talked about.

12. Rihanna- Time for a new hairstyle, please. I still like it, I always liked it, but it’s getting old.

13. Victoria Beckham- She pioneered the bob, but that was years ago.

14. Katie Holmes- Same story as the two above. Moving on.

15. Zac Efron- The surf look is a little too grown out for Zefron, just a little bit shorter, please.

16. Brett Michaels- I’m not sure what bothers me more, the fact that Brett Michael’s lips look like a woman, or that I can’t wear a headband or scarf around my head without being called Brett Michaels.

17. Jethro Cave- Just a little too over the top. Corey, please don’t do this with your hair

18. Katy Perry- I loved Katy Perry’s hair long and curled. Grow it back out!

19. Adam Lambert- I know he’s trying to be the epitome of a ‘rock star,’ but scene kid hair is very 2006.  He probably takes longer to straighten and tease his hair than I do to shower and put on a full face of makeup.

20. J.Lo- Everyone’s saying it’s a wig, what do you think?

I’m prepared for the hate comments. Anyone you think we missed?

These Pour la Victoire heels are insane.  I’d never wear them, but they’re definitely a piece of art (that I could see Betsey Johnson wearing)

SOURCE: High Snobette

EVENTS
• Meet Stella McCartney when she stops by Barneys New York to show off her fall 2009 collection. She’ll also have an informal Q&A session with Simon Doonan. 660 Madison Ave., at 61st St. (212-826-8900); 1?3.

• Stella McCartney’s exclusive collection for Net-a-Porter.com launches today. Online only.

• Def Jam artist Chrisette Michele stops by Sephora Fifth Avenue to celebrate her new album, Epiphany. 597 Fifth Ave., at 48th St. (212-980-6534); 7?9.

SALES
STARTING TODAY
• Buy a makeover package for $185 at Kimara Ahnert, and get a free one good for the Mother-Daughter makeover special. Or buy a facial for $130 and get a free lesson with a makeup artist (worth $185). Through 5/9. Kimara Ahnert, 1113 Madison Ave., nr. 84th St. (212-452-4252); M?S (10?7), Su (1?5). Call or stop in and mention the Mother’s Day special.

• Cotton shirts by Italian men’s brand Domenico Vacca used to be $590, but are only $159 at the designer sample sale. Pants that were $780 are now $140, and silk shirts that used to be $790 are now $230. Through 5/7. 14 E. 60th St., nr. Madison Ave., Ste. 900 (212-920-1211); daily (10?6).

STARTING TOMORROW
• At the Daryl K and Kerrigan trunk show, pre-order the fall 2009 collections for 20 percent off and shop the spring 2009 collection for up to 25 percent off. One day only. 21 Bond St., at Bleecker St. (212-529-8790); 11?8. Wine reception: 4?8.

• Betsey Johnson evening dresses are $75, day dresses are $50, and sportswear is $35 at the designer’s sample sale. Through 5/8. Millennium Broadway Hotel, 145 W. 44th St., nr. Broadway, sixth fl. (212-789-7546); daily (10?8).

• Katy Rodriguez’s spring 2009 collection is 20 percent off at her trunk show at Resurrection NY. Meet Katy on Thursday, May 7, when she stops by to show you the collection herself. Through 5/9. 217 Mott St., nr Spring St. (212-625-1374); daily (11?7). Appearance: 2?7.

• Delman’s spring collection of shoes is up to 75 percent off. Sandals, gladiators, ballet flats, and more are $89 to $109 (snakeskin heels were $365, but are now $109). Through 5/8. 145 W. 18th St., nr. Seventh Ave.; W, Th (10?7), F (10?3).

• Shoes, clothing, and handbags by Loeffler Randall are up to 50 percent off. Prices start at $125 for flats and sandals, $78 for clothing, and $80 for handbags. Through 5/9. 525 Broadway, at Spring St., Ste. 202; W, T, F (10?7), S (11?6).

• Rebecca Minkoff bags are over 50 percent off at the designer’s sample sale. Also find marked-down summer dresses and retro-styled suits by Abaeté. Through 5/10. 33 W. 17th St., nr. Sixth Ave.; daily (10?8).

ONGOING
• The 2008 resort collection by 3.1 phillip lim is up to 40 percent off while supplies last. Ongoing. 115 Mercer St., nr. Prince St. (212-334-1160); M–S (11?7), Su (noon?6).

LINKAGE: NY MAG

5/6–5/8

Betsey Johnson evening dresses are $75, day dresses are $50, and sportswear is $35 at the designer’s sample sale.

Millenium Broadway Hotel

145 W. 44th St., nr. Broadway, sixth fl.

(212-789-7546);

daily (10–8).

Peter Som. Sass and Bide. Vera Wang. Betsey Johnson. Carmen Marc Valvo. DKNY. What do all of these labels have in common? Well, they won’t be showing their collections on the runways of Bryant Park, that’s for sure. The economy has certainly taken a toll on the fashion industry and sadly enough, it has pilfered designers abilities to show off, publicize and get some well deserved recognition. But before designers decide to shrink their collections, minimize their advertising and slap sale signs in their windows, they pull the plug on showing during fashion week. That being said, are runway shows a thing of the past? If designers can survive the recession, sans the runway show, does that mean that fashion week is really the extra credit that doesn’t count on designers homework? The recession has changed many a mindset, but it is frighteningly possible that it can make designers realize they can succeed without dropping major dough on a show.

On the flip side, the idea of a runway show can be viewed as 2009’s It-bag, only the rich and glamorous can afford it and bystanders look on in amazement. Who knows, maybe this recession is simply the fashion industry’s version of spring cleaning, making runway shows only for the invested, focused, and prepared designers. Oscar de la Renta’s double runway delight is a prime example of this notion. 

Either the runways become “so last year,” sending hundreds of bean-pole models home packing or they get put on a pedestal, an honor to have your collection even grace one. Oh runways, you are a scary toss up.

Financial failure in the fashion industry has been the talk about town recently. With February’s Fashion Week just around the corner, more and more designers are backing down from the tents, in hopes of recovering from the economic crisis continuing over from 2008. Despite the fact that big names like Vera Wang and Betsey Johnson have been monetarily beat to a pulp, Oscar de la Renta has been doing well…quite well. It seems as if the economic times have had no effect on de la Renta, as he has added a show during Fashion Week. The designer will hold two shows, one at 1pm and the other at 2pm on February 18th, separate venues for retailers and the press. Oscar de la Renta even told Fashion Week Daily that 2008 was a good year for him (he may be the only one…) and while many designers had to lay off workers, he actually added 15 employees to the company! On top of that, de la Renta stated that the last three months were successful. I didn’t know that people were still in the market to spend almost $2,000 on a cashmere ruffle cardigan…if so, all the power to you! Kudos to de la Renta for retaining success as his middle name, even during these tough times.

Thanks NY Mag!

Earlier this month Rebecca talked about how Warner Brother’s had assembled a list of top designers to redesign Dorothy’s famed ruby red slipper. After much teasing here are some of the shoes that will be featured in Saks and later auctioned.

Betsey Johnson

A Testoni

L.A.M.B (the most porn-star like version of the slippers!)

Oscar de la Renta

(note: Oscar De la Renta kind of cheated, his ‘ruby red slippers’ are just reissues)

Tibi (the ugliest version of the ’slippers’ in the bunch)

Tuleh (the best interpretation of the slippers)

Botkier

Jimmy Choo

Diane von Furstenburg (the most wearable version of the shoe)

This is a sneak peak of Sergio Rossi’s version of Dorothy’s famous ruby red shoes, as part of a particularly fashionable commemoration of the 70th anniversary of The Wizard of Oz.

Incorporating CRYSTALLIZED™ Swarovski Elements, Sergio Rossi joins 19 other designers including Betsey Johnson, Christian Louboutin and Manolo Blahnik to reinterpret the character’s iconic slippers as part of a showcase and auction to raise money for the Elizabeth Glaser Paediatric AIDS foundation.

The fruits of their fashionable labour will be unveiled at Saks Fifth Avenue on September 4 before moving to Bryant Park on September 5 for the start of New York Fashion Week. Public viewings are also planned throughout 2009.

Personally, I think this doesn’t at all resemble the original slippers, with the 8 inch heal and sex kitten like swirls. I would have preferred to see an actual updated remake…Now Betsy Johnson should be able to do this no prob!

Thanks Vogue UK

Here is an old video I dug up on the YouTube of the first, if not one of the first, Betsey Johnson shows. It dates back to 1977 and of course took place at Studio 54. I must say Betsey’s runway shows have improved from this one. The models are uncoordinated and unsure of what they are supposed to be doing, however I think it’s the massive amounts of coke they did before the show that has caused their jilted moves.

 “I just can’t walk three blocks without spending serious money.” 

According to WWD Betsey Johnson has moved uptown, and purchased two Madison Avenue apartments. Johnson purchased one for herself and the other for daughter. Johnson’s roots are downtown, so fans were surprised. Once asked about her new uptown dwelling and inspiration, she responded that she now drops crazier cash, like spending 8,000 at Alexander McQueen. For verification, check the quote above. 

Thanks to NY Mag for the pic! 

Listen up because you will not want to miss these incredible sales! 

Betsey Johnson: Beautiful Betsey Johnson frocks are up to 75 percent off;Through 7/22.

Millennium Broadway Hotel, 145 W. 44th St., nr. Sixth Ave., seventh fl.; 10–7:30.

                                                            Acne Jeans

                                                             Staerk 

Acne Jeans: teams up with Staerk, amazingly we can get both brands for 50 to 70 percent off at the joint sample sale. Through 7/24.  

145 W. 18th St., nr. Seventh Ave. (212-388-0339); Tues. (1–8); Wed. and Thurs. (10–8).

Stop at the James Jeans sample sale. Prices range between $25 and $80. Through 7/24.

500 Greenwich St., nr. Spring St., Ste. 202 (212-221-4603); Tues. (9–7); Wed.–Thurs. (9–5:30).  

Sales won’t last for long! 

For you New Yorkers it’s that time of the year. No not summer, sample sale time. Where everything, for those of us who fit in samples sizes, becomes affordable. Here’s a roundup of all the sales starting today.

• Bring out your inner girly-girl on Betsey Johnson’s sample sale. Dresses are down to $87 (orig. $345), and tops are $55 (orig.$220). Through 6/26. Millennium Broadway Hotel, 145 W, 44th St., nr. Broadway, Seventh fl.; Wed.–Thurs. (10–7:30).

• The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center Thrift Shop got in a special shipment of Chanel blouses, dresses, jackets, skirts, and pants for you to scoop up today only. 1440 Third Ave., nr. 81st St. (212-535-1250); Wed. (10–5).

• Sandals, heels, and more, from Hollywould’s cruise collection are up to 80 percent off. Through 6/30. 198 Elizabeth St., nr. Prince St. (212-219-1905); Thurs.–Sat. (11:30–7); Sun. (noon–5).

• Society for Rational Dress, Diabless, Vivienne Westwood, and Morphine Generation are all 20 to 75 percent off at the Woodley & Bunny sale. 490 Driggs Ave., nr. N. 9th St. (718-218-6449); Daily (noon–8).

• With this three-day sale, you’ll only have to pay $5 to $60 for clothes from Soundgirl, or pay $40 to $60 for Shoes for Lovely People. Through 6/27. 1385 Broadway, nr. 37th St., Fifth fl. (212-730-0377); Daily (10–6:30).

• The Brian Reyes and Tashkent by Cheyenne sale starts today. Through 6/26. Tashkent Studios, 939 Eighth Ave., nr. 56th St., Ste. 501; Wed.–Thurs. (11–7).

• Elaine Turner handbags are up to 75 percent—off. The Eva Sand Dollar beach bag that was $150 now is $50, and python clutches that were $650 are only $195. Through 6/26. 320 Fifth Ave., at 32nd St., Ste. 1102. (212-239-8966).

• Score 30 percent off Vix swimwear by typing VIXDC30 at checkout. The Perry black suit with gold detailing that was $170 is now $119.

Source