Shoes have played pivotal roles in numerous films, frequently representing everything from personal agency, magic powers, uniqueness, and social evolution. In "The Wizard of Oz," Judy Garland's ruby shoes are a famous instance of this. The slippers are a pair of magical shoes that play a significant role in the movie's plot and have come to represent the film's fantasy, glitz, and adventure. Shoes, like the ruby slippers, are a great way to express the significance and propel the plot in a film.
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Dorothy's return to Kansas was made possible by the ruby slippers bestowed upon her by Glinda the Good Witch. The Wicked Witch of the West, who wants to rule Oz with their power, also desires the slippers in the film. The slippers have become a worldwide phenomenon, recognized and cherished by moviegoers worldwide.
Dorothy's magical shoes were originally silver in the L. Frank Baum's children's novel on which the film is based. Noel Langley, one of the film's screenwriters, had the idea to make them ruby red, most likely so that they would stand out more against a yellow brick road.
The chief costume designer of MGM Studios at the time, Gilbert Adrian, designed the shoes. The Innes Shoe Company in Los Angeles manufactured the slippers in white silk because of their low cost and versatility in coloration and sequin decorations to be added afterward by custom designers of the film studies.
It is believed that between four to seven pairs of slippers were created for the filming of the movie, and at the time, no one thought that the slippers would have their own story with somewhat dramatic nuances. One pair of slippers were stolen in 2005 from the Judy Garland Museum in Minnesota, while the other two are safe and well.
After years of unsuccessful investigations, the FBI discovered that Michael Shaw was the thief who stole the pair of Judy Garland's slippers from the museum in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, in 2005 and hid them away. The FBI got involved when they were contacted because of a potential extortion plot. Eventually, the plan was thwarted, and the slippers were returned to the museum in 2018. Shaw was subsequently convicted of stealing and sentenced to prison. The slippers were repaired and returned to the museum. It took more than 200 hours to complete the conservation operation.
The red slippers represent revolution and the underdog's capacity to topple tyrants. They have also become a symbol of the people's determination because federal funds aren't always available for pet projects like the restoration of the ruby, and repairing the slippers was an expensive task.
A total of $300,000 was raised in just seven days thanks to the Kickstarter campaign. Many people worldwide contributed to the campaign so the Smithsonian could preserve and exhibit the Scarecrow and Ruby Slippers. The popularity of The Wizard of Oz and the ruby slippers ensured the campaign's success.
The price of the slippers is something that will surely surprise you. The Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C., purchased a pair in 1938 for $165, but this price has grown astronomically. A pair of the slippers fetched an estimated $2 million at auction in 2011. Another couple of the slippers, valued at $6 million, was up for auction in 2018. The value of the slippers stolen from the Judy Garland Museum in 2005 could be as high as $2 million. The museum had them insured for $1 million. What about that?
It's important to remember that the slippers' worth comes not merely from their monetary value but also from their status as a culturally significant piece of film memorabilia. The ruby slippers will be an iconic part of Hollywood for future generations.
The ruby slippers have had a lasting impact on footwear trends. Designers and fashionistas alike find inspiration in the shoes, which have become a symbol of glitz and fantasy. The slippers' classic style is reflected in their daring and vibrant color, as well as the sparkling sequin decorations. Let's mention some:
The ruby slippers have become a cultural icon, inspiring designers to make shoes with the same air of mystery and magic as the original pair. Shoes by Christian Louboutin, for instance, have ruby-like crimson soles inspired by the ones in The Wizard of Oz.
Accessories like jewelry and purses with ruby red embellishments and sequins have been designed as a nod to the slippers. These add-ons are frequently styled to mirror the glitz and fancifulness of the slippers themselves.
Third, the slippers have impacted shoe advertising and sales strategies. Shoe firms, for instance, frequently advertise their brilliant red footwear as "ruby red" to elicit the same sense of magic and wonder as the slippers.
Seeing as how many individuals are interested in owning a piece of cinematic history, the slippers have become a popular topic for exhibitions and auctions that have served to keep the slippers' legend alive.
From high-end luxury shoes to inexpensive footwear for the public, the red slippers of the Wizard of OZ have influenced various fashion trends. Stunning statement pieces that are true to the spirit of the original design have been created by individuals who have taken inspiration from the slippers' most recognizable features. The shoes have been so successful that several imitations and knockoffs have appeared on the market. The red slippers have gained popularity not just as a trendy fashion item but also for the symbolic meanings associated with them.
Are you ready to look for your comfy red slippers or inspirations on MyShoeJourney.com? Let us know what you think about wearing something like this or how they have inspired you. We will have some fun!