Enough to launch her own line of luxuriously beaded and embroidered swimwear, sarongs, miniskirts and caftans at Saks Fifth Avenue stores nationwide.
"I know, I know," Hurley said after a Saks luncheon earlier this month. "It’s a little unusual. And every celebrity now has a clothing line. But I actually do this. I own all of this. I’m not just licensing my name out. I choose every fabric, the fit, the styling, the accessories – I’m involved in every factor. If you want to deal with the line, you have to deal with me."
Hurley worked the Saks room of fashion fans like a pro, dispensing advice on how to find the perfect bikini bottom that covers all the unmentionables and highlights all the mentionables.
One woman held up a sheer tunic top across the room and Hurley yelled to her, "I wore that the other night, but get a brighter color." Then closer up, she softly told the woman what to wear underneath for modesty’s sake. She brings a perfect combination of enthusiasm and discretion.
Her beach collection consists of hotly hued bikinis, silk caftans with amber beaded ties, terry-cloth wrap skirts with matching beach totes as well as peasant tops with stone accents. The swimsuits are made of a Lycra-Meryl fabric, which provides some UV protection while remaining lightweight and chlorine-resistant. Prices range from $168 to $713.
"It’s all about fit. I’m obsessed about fit. That’s the most important thing. The right fit allows me to sell – as I have today – the same swimsuit to a 19-year-old and a 70-year-old," Hurley said.
Next up? Hurley said she can hardly wait to expand into shoes, knits and jewelry.
© 2005 South Florida Sun-Sentinel. Distributed by Knight Ridder/Tribune Information Services.