How the 'Wizard of Oz' Film Influenced Fashion

The “The Wizard of Oz” has had a large influence on fashion, both in design and in photos. Just look at Vogue’s December 2005 photo shoot taken by famed photographer, Annie Leibovitz. It features actress Keira Knightly as Dorothy. In the photos, Keira wears countless Dorothy-esque dresses designed by Marc Jacobs, Balenciaga, Oscar De la Renta, Donna Karan New York, Prada, and Yves Saint Laurent. Every look is complete with a pair of sparkling red glittery pumps.
Gilbert Adrian (1903–1959) launched many fashion crazes such as the gingham cotton dress, which he designed for Judy Garland to wear on the film. This dress was quickly copied by countless retail chains. Women who wanted to get their hands on the iconic dress could find a similar look for less in a department store or the Sears Roebucks catalog. Fashion magazines included printed clothing patterns so women could create their own Dorothy dresses.
Countless designers have also paid homage to the “The Wizard of Oz” at “The Kansas Project” in Asia in 2009. This exclusive collection of footwear included designs from Betsy Johnson, Diane von Furstenburg, Jimmy Choo and Oscar de la Renta. Most of these shoes are sparkling ruby red heels with holographic sequins that paid homage to Dorothy’s iconic ruby red slippers in the film. The collection was auctioned off to benefit the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation.
In the span of over 70 years, the “The Wizard of Oz” has become a film that’s been re-released as a profitable part of pop culture and fashion. It’s amazing that countless television airings continue and newer versions have been regularly released. The reason why it’s so influential is that it reminds us that we can solve most of our problems at home. It gives us that hope, be it in the Great Depression or in a struggling economy.