A pair of ruby slippers worn by Judy Garland in the classic 1939 film “The Wizard of Oz” has sold at auction for $2.8 million, a staggering price that highlights the enduring appeal of Hollywood memorabilia. The slippers, one of several pairs made for the film, were sold to a collector who wishes to remain anonymous.
The sale took place at an auction house in New York, where the slippers were offered as part of a larger collection of Hollywood memorabilia. The auction, which was attended by collectors and fans of the film, saw fierce bidding for the slippers, with several parties vying for the iconic shoes.
The ruby slippers, which were designed by MGM’s chief costume designer, Adrian, are considered one of the most iconic symbols of Hollywood’s Golden Age. The shoes, which feature a distinctive red sequined design and a 2-inch heel, were worn by Garland in several scenes in the film, including the famous “There’s No Place Like Home” sequence.
The slippers sold at auction are one of several pairs made for the film. According to the auction house, this particular pair was worn by Garland in the film’s final scenes and was later gifted to a crew member who worked on the film. The slippers have been authenticated by experts and come with a certificate of authenticity.
The sale of the ruby slippers is the latest in a series of high-profile auctions of Hollywood memorabilia. In recent years, several iconic items from classic films have sold at auction for record-breaking prices, including the dress worn by Marilyn Monroe in “The Seven Year Itch” and the fedora worn by Harrison Ford in “Raiders of the Lost Ark.”
The sale of the ruby slippers also highlights the enduring appeal of “The Wizard of Oz,” which has become a cultural touchstone since its release in 1939. The film, which was based on the classic children’s book by L. Frank Baum, has been re-released several times over the years and continues to be a beloved favorite among audiences of all ages.
In addition to the ruby slippers, the auction also featured several other items from “The Wizard of Oz,” including a pair of Cowardly Lion’s costume pieces and a Wicked Witch of the West hat. The sale of these items demonstrates the ongoing interest in Hollywood memorabilia and the enduring appeal of classic films like “The Wizard of Oz.”
The buyer of the ruby slippers, who wishes to remain anonymous, is a collector of Hollywood memorabilia. According to the auction house, the buyer is a long-time fan of “The Wizard of Oz” and was thrilled to have the opportunity to purchase one of the film’s most iconic symbols.
The sale of the ruby slippers is a reminder that even the most iconic items from Hollywood’s past can be bought and sold. While the sale of these items can be bittersweet for fans of classic films, it also highlights the ongoing interest in Hollywood memorabilia and the enduring appeal of classic films like “The Wizard of Oz.”
In conclusion, the sale of the ruby slippers from “The Wizard of Oz” for $2.8 million is a testament to the enduring appeal of Hollywood memorabilia and the ongoing interest in classic films. The sale of these iconic shoes highlights the importance of preserving Hollywood’s past and the ongoing fascination with the Golden Age of Hollywood.
