LAS VEGAS — If you think the surf off Malibu is rough, just think of cruising along the trade show circuit.
This week, Pamela Anderson braved her first trade show — the mega WWDMAGIC event here — as she launched The Pamela Collection.
For her line, Anderson, who said she has “worn all the famous designers” and has been photographed in Gucci, James Perse and Louis Vuitton, among others, is focused on moderately priced sweaters, lingerie, T-shirts, denim jeans, shoes, accessories and fragrance.
On Monday, the quintessential “Baywatch” babe gave WWD 10 minutes at the Las Vegas Convention Center, where she and her booth were, not surprisingly, among the biggest attractions.
— Kristin Young
WWD: What do you think of MAGIC?
Pamela Anderson: I didn’t realize it would be this big. It’s kind of overwhelming. I came over here in one of my cashmere sweaters and I was drenched from head to toe. I was very quiet on the plane, I was so nervous. I didn’t know what to expect. When I saw the booth, I was almost in tears. It’s like having a baby. I’ve been so excited about this for so long.
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WWD: What designers do you admire, and what inspires you?
P.A.: I have worn all the famous designers. But my true lifestyle is the clothes you’re looking at. This reflects who I am more than anything. It’s casual. Sexy, yes — that’s a big part of who I am, too. It’s been quite a challenge to keep costs low, licensing only to companies that can deliver a lot of product and keep things high quality.
WWD: Why do fashion?
P.A.: So I could be with my kids more. I was sick of being on the set every day and not being with my kids. And I knew I could create a line that I could wear, being a mom and being everything that a woman has to be. My hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and that’s all I do. [She has a kindergartner and a first-grader.] I’m so overly involved. I’ve been trying to do this for five years.
WWD: What do you bring to the table?
P.A.: Accessibility. It’s not just for women who buy couture. There is no class difference in the line. It’s for people who shop at upscale boutiques and for people who shop at Target. I want everyone to get the feeling of the clothes and lifestyle stuff too.
WWD: How do you plan to advertise?
P.A.: We haven’t really decided yet. I shot part of the campaign with Steve Wayda, one of my favorite photographers. I shot the vibe of campaign, and then we will do catalogues and more pictures showcasing clothes with models and fun fashion shows. I’m not afraid to be sexy. There’s a sexy side of me and there’s a side that wears drawstring pants and T-shirts. I can be both.
WWD: What’s surprised you most about the design process?
P.A.: I’m so glad I’m accepted for who I am and not what [people] see me to be. The line could have been a lot more Playboy and spandex-y. But I really am a single mom that likes to be sexy. It’s a woman’s choice to be sexy — and not because someone says she is. All different shapes and sizes of women are coming in here who are just loving it. Sizes run to extra large. And I wanted it to be affordable.
WWD: So what’s ahead for spring?
P.A.: We started in the fall to kind of get our feet wet, ’cause obviously swimsuits are my big deal.