 Fashionweekdaily Interview
Thursday, August 09, 2007
(NEW YORK) What Sarah Jessica Parker did for the 30-and-over crowd with Bitten, 21-year-old Amanda Bynes is out to do for the junior set. On Wednesday night the budding actress-cum-designer launched her new clothing line, Dear, with Steve and Barry’s. The celebration at Sushi Samba 7 introduced the feminine and casual apparel and accessories collection that will hit stores August 10, with each piece retailing for under $20.
“When I was filming Hairspray, Steve and Barry’s called me and asked if I would collaborate with them and I was like, ‘Oh my God, how did you pick me?’” said an exhilarated Bynes of her first foray into fashion. “This is something I just thought would be so much fun.” A spokesperson for the 200-unit chain, whose specialty is university logo sweatshirts and licensed clothing, said Bynes was the only young starlet the brand had approached.
The collection’s name, as it turns out, is a double entendre. “When I was in a design meeting I saw a drawing of a deer silhouette and then I thought we should call the line 'deer', but spell it d-e-a-r,” said Bynes. “It’s like ‘my dear’, for something that is dear to me; plus, I love animals.” Waitresses and select attendees wore fuchsia and turquoise Dear necklaces while others wore heart T-shirts from the collection. At the outdoor party, several looks were on display, ranging from a pink plaid hooded sweatshirt to a navy bomber, as well as trend-driven looks like high-waisted wide-legged jeans and striped tees. In total, more than 120 pieces of clothing and 70 pieces of jewelry will be offered. It will also feature 28 accessories styles, including bags, belts, and shoes. Items geared toward cold-weather protection will also be available.
“It’s all very casual, comfortable, and chic,” said Bynes. “It’s stuff I would wear but I would mix and match it—you know, like I’m wearing a Dear dress and jewelry with Christian Louboutin shoes and a YSL bag.”
Prior to working with the retailer, Bynes admitted she had never set foot in a Steve and Barry’s store. “Though I did have some funny college shirts, I never knew they sold women’s attire,” she said.
Bynes always loved sketching and drawing and for her the opportunity to design was a welcome treat. “I can't believe they are putting me and SJP in the same category, it’s insane,” the teen favorite exclaimed. “It’s like a dream; I just keep pinching myself.” NOLA WEINSTEIN
Steve and Barrys made a wise decision to approach to Amanda first, other young starlets doesn't have what Amanda has. | 
08-10-2007, 03:01 AM
