Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week is one of the leading industry celebrations of new and established talents in fashion today. This particular New York gala will be sparkling like red rubies as a large ensemble of top designers will display their latest shoe creations at the event. The Wizard of Oz Ruby Slipper Collection will be introduced September 4th with interpretations by Diane von Furstenberg, Jimmy Choo, L.A.M.B. by Gwen Stefani, Manolo Blahnik, and many others as part of a 70th anniversary tribute to the iconic film. Warner Bros. Consumer Products in association with CRYSTALLIZED(TM) - Swarovski Elements have made this homage of a classic film symbol into a unique expedition in fashion design.
The concept is fresh and easy: to remake Dorothy's ruby slipper with a 21st century motif. Well, maybe it's not going to be that easy. Dorothy's ruby slipper has been virtually the same for nearly 70 years and being that it already has the flair of distinctiveness, it will be interesting to see what these hot designers can conjure up. The collection will showcase 18 surreal and exquisite shoe designs that will be auctioned to the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS foundation following the 2008 Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week and a 2009 US tour. Keep an eye out for these once-in-a-lifetime kicks!

In the spirit of recreating of Dorothy's timeless ruby shoes, check out these insane sketches by fashion's most inventive minds…