Can you think of a better setting to hold a party than the posh eighth-floor shoe department at Saks Fifth Avenue? I cannot. Deserving of its own zip code, 10022-SHOE, the place is a fashion diva’s paradise on a regular day. But last evening was definitely not a regular anything, as the coolness factor of the place was magnified hundredfold by plenty of handsome men, many fashionable celebrities, some great designers, a collection of nearly twenty interpretations of the Ruby Slippers from “The Wizard of Oz” and all to benefit a great cause – the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation.

This was the official Gala to launch the merriment of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week which runs through next Friday, here in NYC. Surrounded by shoes as far as the eye could see, yours truly felt like a kid in a candy store, the sensation amplified further by the Ruby Slippers renditions that were sprinkled around the floor, displayed in museum cases as the beautiful jewels they truly are. Among my favorites were the Christian Louboutin pair, with flamboyant dahlias gracing the back of the shoes, those by Jimmy Choo (top left), the Betsey Johnson version and the Moschino pair (shown above), with the asymmetrical silhouette and the large crystal bow. Oh, nearly forgot to mention that each pair was made using CRYSTALLIZED™ Swarovski Elements. If I had to choose, I would probably walk down my very own Yellow Brick Road in the Jimmy Choo’s, only because the snakeskin/crystal combination would go really well with this fall’s bulky tartans.

Those lucky enough to be in attendance were treated to mini crab cakes, munchkins-sized cheeseburgers and red velvet lilliputian cupcakes, with an endless supply of smiling waiters serving Champagne, cosmopolitans and Peroni beer. Among the numerous fashionable, famous and fashionistas were photographer Nigel Barker, model-turned-actress Molly Sims, Harper’s Bazaar chief Glenda Bailey, talk show hostess Wendy Williams and actor Josh Radnor. The reason I probably enjoy Mondays – the night “How I Met Your Mother” is on CBS TV – way too much for my own good, I had to take this opportunity to spend a few minutes with the heavenly Mr. Radnor and those delicious moments turned out to be the highlight of my night. Yes, all you smitten girls out there, up-close he is even more handsome and easygoing than he appears to be on TV!

While I could hardly skip down any Yellow Brick Road to get home – due to my overworked Louboutin five-inch heels and tired feet – I did feel a Dorothy-like faith and positive outlook at the end of the soirée. Perhaps a combination of fantastic fashions, fabulous people and one particularly handsome man… Whatever the reason, it was a night to remember.

Images courtesy of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week and Patrick McMullan