Warner Bros. and Tonner Re-imagine The Wizard Of Oz

Warner Bros. Consumer Products (WBCP) and Tonner Doll Company, Inc. announced a slate of prominent high-end fashion and costume designers who have signed on to create one-of-a-kind looks, modeled on Tonner’s 22-inch dolls, for the Leading Ladies of The Wizard of Oz program. In conjunction with the celebration of the 75th Anniversary of the classic film, designers including Marc Jacobs, Donna Karan Atelier, Herve Leger by Max Azria and more will design glamorous costumes inspired by Dorothy, Glinda the Good Witch and the Wicked Witch of the West. The haute couture dolls will make their debut during New York Fashion Week at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) on September 4, at which time they will be available for bidding on eBay for a charity auction, with all proceeds contributing to the “There’s No Place Like Home” campaign benefitting Habitat for Humanity.

“Seventy-five years after The Wizard of Oz first captured the hearts of audiences, WBCP and Tonner Doll are excited to bring new life and a modern flare to the film’s beloved characters,” said Karen McTier, executive vice president,  Domestic Licensing and Worldwide Marketing, Warner Bros. Consumer Products. “And with the help of an incredibly talented roster of prestigious fashion designers, the Leading Ladies of The Wizard of Oz are going to transform the Yellow Brick Road into an unforgettable runway.”

Joining the creative endeavor to design one-of-a-kind doll looks inspired by the Leading Ladies of The Wizard of Oz are fashion designers Reem Acra, BCBGMAXAZRIA, Erickson Beamon, Chris Benz, Carlos Falchi, Douglas Hannant, Marc Jacobs, Betsey Johnson, Donna Karan Atelier, Byron Lars, Herve Leger by Max Azria, Jenny Packham, Charlotte Ronson, Anna Sui, Trina Turk, Carmen Marc Valvo, Sue Wong,  and costume designers including Colleen Atwood, Ruth Myers, and Lyn Paolo, in partnership with actress Kerry Washington.

“These creations are beyond expectation – inspired, visionary and absolutely enchanting from head to toe,” said Robert Tonner, Tonner Doll Company CEO and acclaimed doll artist. “This is The Wizard of Oz and its leading ladies in a way you’ve never seen them before. Each doll is quite…bewitching, to say the least, and we are thrilled and honored to be a part of both the anniversary celebration, and generating proceeds for such a worthy cause.”

Beginning September 4, the dolls will be on display to the public at FIT and available for bidding by fans on eBay Giving Works. The online charity auction, managed by Auction Cause, will continue until September 14, with gross proceeds supporting Habitat for Humanity’s work to create decent, safe, and affordable housing in partnership with low-income families. Visit www.WizardofOzDollAuction.com for charity auction details.

“Habitat for Humanity is so very grateful for the support of Tonner Doll Company and all the designers contributing to this creative effort,” said Lysa Ratliff, senior director of Corporate Programs for Habitat for Humanity International. “This is a wonderful new element to our partnership with Warner Bros., as we work together to advance Habitat’s mission to create simple, decent and affordable housing.”

Beginning last year, Warner Bros. and Habitat for Humanity teamed up for the “There’s No Place Like Home” campaign, featuring themed initiatives and events in celebration of the 75th anniversary of The Wizard of Oz. The ongoing program, which brings the most memorable line from the classic film to life, offers a dedicated website where consumers can support the campaign, which can be found at www.TheWizardofOz.com/Habitat.