I never thought I'd own authentic replica Ruby Slippers. In part because there is so much Ruby Slipper product, one could build an entire collection around just them, but also because aside from the Ikon Design Studio pairs, the last authorized replicas were priced at $5000 in 1989!
Last year, Australian based Ikon Design Studio released a very successful sell out pair with a run of only 250. After seeing overwhelmingly enthusiastic responses from collectors, I regretted not acquiring a pair then. In January 2020, Ikon announced a second pair dubbed 'the Yellow Brick Road Edition.' This pair is modeled after the cross matched Smithsonian/recently recovered stolen RubySlippers. While extensively researching for a blog entry to tie in to the Night at the Museum sequel Battle of the Smithsonian, I fell head over heels in love with the Smithsonian and the Ruby Slippers they housed. Upon seeing the introduction of Ikon's latest replicas, I knew I would not lose out to the Wicked Witch a second time!!!
It was a long 6 month wait, but well worth it. All in good time, my pretties!! There's always anxiety waiting for collectibles to arrive. I've had my fair share of breakage and loss. However, they arrived safe and sound. Rest assured, Ikon Design Studio has enveloped the Ruby Slippers sufficiently for international travel and maximum protection from tornadoes and winged monkeys.
I absolutely love all the ingenious nuances Ikon Design Studios has put into this project from the meticulously reproduced intricacy of the sequins and the bows to the fun graphics on the shipping box.
Along with the slippers you get a Yellow Brick Road inspired acrylic case for easy display. I wish more designers of collectibles would include display cases and stands.
Having never seen a screen worn pair of Ruby Slippers, I was a little taken aback by their size!! They were smaller than I'd envisioned though I'd always heard Judy Garland had small feet.
The Ruby Slippers are encased in a durable shoe box inspired by Dorothy's gingham dress. The lid is emblazoned with a red foil Wizard of Oz logo and a Dorothy label adorns one side. Another side of the box proclaims Dorothy's sentiment 'There's No Place Like Home.' There is a photo of Dorothy with the Emerald City on the bottom of the box. Also included is a metal numbered plaque to place in or on the display case anyway you wish.
The shoes themselves are magnificent!!! They took my breath away as I opened the box. I love the way the sequins cast reflections everywhere. They are the same brilliant scarlet hue as they appear on celluloid. In actuality, the Ruby Slippers are a much deeper, darker red. Some have compared them to the color of dried blood, an adjustment needed for the 1938 ground breaking, technicolor filming process. Had they been true red, they would glow orange. When the Kleig lights hit the shoes, they would shine the dazzling shade of ruby we all love.
The soles of the shoes have been stamped with the size of 5C. Orange felt was used to muffle the sound of the shoes while filming the dance sequences and so orange felt as been affixed to the soles of these reproductions. Judy Garland #6 is inscribed in each shoe.
I was dismayed (for about 2 seconds) to see the sequins on my pair weren't absolutely perfect. But I recovered very quickly remembering the Smithsonian pair of the Ruby Slippers are the most worn. Then my heart melted all the more.
One small suggestion would be the inclusion of a full color pamphlet with photos and info about the basis and construction of the shoes.
Minor criticism aside, from the design to the distribution this is an A+ masterful, recreation of the most famous footwear in history. They're a gorgeous centerpiece suited for any Oz or Judy Garland fan or film buff. I am so behind the moon, beyond the rain, WAY over the rainbow ecstatic to have added them to my collection.
Now where and how to display them. These things must be done delicately.......
