A-Line: Celebrity StyleThe ‘Golden’ Betty White’s New Clothes
At first, the thought of Betty White launching her own clothing line made me gasp in horror. I conjured images of her "Golden Girls" character, Rose Nylund, styling her monochromatic, button-down sweaters and dresses -- you know, the ones with the massive shoulder pads? But when I heard her clothing line will be less like the cast wardrobe on one of my all-time fave sitcoms, and more kitschy fun, it hit me: I should never have doubted Betty.
Clearly, the 88-year-old actress, who's been in showbiz for more than 60 years, knows what she's doing. The "Hot in Cleveland" star is cashing in on her status as a rediscovered pop culture icon by debuting T-shirts and hoodies emblazoned with her face, her name, and sassy slogans, such as "Long live the queen."
The pieces, manufactured by California-based Jerry Leigh Apparel, are scheduled to arrive in stores next month with a price tag of $28 for shirts and $48 for hoodies. In a smart attempt to attract some of the same hipsters who tuned in to her highly-rated stint on "Saturday Night Live," the hoodies will even come equipped with earphones that can be washed and a jack that can be hooked up to an iPod. Betty thinks of everything!
Bonus: a portion of the proceeds from the loungewear will go to help furry friends via the Morris Animal Foundation. That's the same organization that will be enjoying all the profits from Betty's upcoming calendar, in which she poses poolside with a pack of shirtless studs. The eye candy will be available at bookstores and more in September.
As far as I'm concerned, the strategy is as classy as the octogenarian herself. Betty's making the most of her big moment by helping a cause with a special place in her heart, while at the same time offering casual threads to her fans. Unlike those head-to-toe cheesy outfits we left back in the '80s, we all have to slip on a sweatshirt or tee some time. Why not wear one featuring the golden Betty White?
