Hundreds flock to retailer to see actress
Christopher Contreras EXPRESS-NEWS TEEN TEAM
November 02, 2007
| Editor's note: The 2007-08 Express-News
Teen Team held its first meeting this month, and this is the first
assignment by three of its members -- Christopher Contreras, Lytle
High School; Sarah Talaat, Saint Mary's Hall; and Brianna Dimas,
Incarnate Word High School -- who got the interview and pictures
with Amanda Bynes. Far from the silver screen, nonetheless still a star, comedic actress Amanda Bynes has found a new way to shine, through the fashion industry. Several hundred fans lined up Saturday as Bynes paid a visit to San Antonio's Steve & Barry's on Military Drive to promote her clothing line, which launched Aug. 16. However, the clothing line, called dear, is more than a new trend started by another Hollywood starlet. It is a wardrobe designed by a celebrity but priced for the Average Joe "It's clothing I want to wear," Bynes said. "They are clothes that reflect your personality and my own without being risqué. Every piece can be considered limited edition because we plan to alter fashions seasonally, without reproducing old designs." Known primarily from her early days as a Nickelodeon star on her sitcom "The Amanda Show" and the WB television series "What I Like About You" (in which she co-starred alongside "Beverly Hills 90201" actress Jenni Garth.), the 21-year-old actress attracted fans at Steve & Barry's earlier than most people set their alarms to go off. Many of them could be seen with sleeping bags and lawn chairs spread outside the doors. "We got here early around 5 a.m.," fan and mother Arlene Hernandez said. "My son Nathaniel just wants to meet a famous person. Other people started arriving around 6 a.m." According to Bynes, her line is all about mixing, matching and layering without putting a strain on consumer wallets. The clothing line was a year and a half in the making, she said. The dear line consists of approximately 120 items of clothing including denim, casual wear, dresses and a unique ensemble of hoodies as well as 28 accessory styles and 70 pieces of jewelry, all priced at $19.98 or less. The line also includes ballet flats as well as some classics: jean skirts and thermal tees. Most of the clothing and accessories are in bright, fun and fresh colors. The line ranges from sizes 0-14 and shoe sizes 5-11, giving most girls the ability to feel comfortable in what they are wearing. The clothes are centered on styles that are meant for everyday wear, but are also able to transition easily for nicer events or weekend schedules. The young star assures the public that she is involved in 100 percent of the clothing decisions and picks what hits the racks. "I'm not trying to compete with anyone," Bynes said. "When I see high-priced clothing, I consider that to be very arrogant. I want to create my own style of apparel and I believe affordable prices are humble. I have a very exciting and talented team of designers that I love working with, and approve all designs beforehand." Much like the Sarah Jessica Parker clothing line Bitten, and Stephen Marbury's Starbury, dear is exclusive to Steve & Barry's. The company contacted Bynes with its offer after viewing one of her latest movies. The contract between Bynes and Barry's was set. "Steve & Barry's actually called me after seeing 'Hairspray' and asked me if I'd be willing to design for them," Bynes said. Even though Bynes' acting career prospered long before her success as a designer, fashion is no stranger. As a child, creating and designing personal wardrobe passed from mother to daughter. "I've always wanted to be a designer ever since I was young," Bynes said. "My mom used to sew my own clothes for me when I was little. When I was 16, she made me take sewing classes." As a designer, Bynes gets excited at the sight of young girls sporting the latest dear fashions. She recalls one particular incident in New York when she made a guest appearance on MTV's "TRL." "I remember this one time when I was on 'TRL' I looked out the window and saw this one girl wearing a pink dear dress," Bynes said. "I was like 'Oh my God!' you're wearing dear!" Now that Bynes has added her line to the world of Steve & Barry's, a famous tennis player and designer will launch her own line of shoes next: Venus Williams, the two-time U.S. Open Champion and four-time reigning Wimbledon Champion. Venus' line "EleVen" is set to debut in mid-November. Express-News Teen Team member Sarah Talaat contributed to this report. |
