Cloris Leachman's Latest Antic - 'Cloris Line' Fashion Collection

by Susannah Cahn (Subscribe to Susannah Cahn's posts)
Posted May 22nd 2009 at 7:15PM

Cloris Leachman modeling her new fashion line. Photo courtesy of Cloris Line

Today, when you mention Cloris Leachman, images of the sprightly octogenarian and her over-the-top behavior on "Dancing with the Stars" immediately come to mind. Die-hard "DWTS" fans and the judges alike were shocked week after week as Leachman somehow managed to rock the vote. But, ultimately, she got the boot (er, soft shoe).

What many people might not picture is the stunning ingenue in 1955's "Kiss Me Deadly" or the star's Oscar-winning performance in 1971's "The Last Picture Show."

And totally true to form, just when you least expect it, Cloris has something else up her sleeve, literally -- a clothing and accessories collection! Aptly (and cleverly) named "Cloris Line," it consists of way more than one singular sensation!

The Cloris Line

Cloris Leachman has never had a problem posing for the camera, making her the perfect model for her new clothing line.

Courtesy of The Cloris Line

This lady knows how to have fun, and it shows.

Courtesy of The Cloris Line

Cloris shows us that true style is ageless.

Courtesy of The Cloris Line

Show us your wild side, Cloris!

Courtesy of The Cloris Line

The versatile mix and match collection -- available exclusively at clorisline.com starting the night of May 23rd -- was designed to flatter a mature woman's body (concealing arms and hips) and to be extremely low maintenance (no ironing!). The idea is that a few basics (if you call zebra print basic) can go a long way, especially when appropriately accessorized for the occasion. Plus, the prices are a throwback to CL's heyday with everything retailing for under $50.

Leachman on her line:

When I recently completed my autobiography I realized that everything I had written about took place in the past. What about the future, I asked myself, and right away the thought came bubbling up, start creating things I've always thought about but haven't done. And up in front of me came a name, "Cloris Line." Right, I thought, what's the first thing? I know, we'll create a clothing line ... My friend and superb designer, Veronique, feels, as I do, that women of a "certain age" (for instance mine) have difficulty finding things to wear that are affordable, appealing and have some little air, some touch of originality. What you wear is how you announce who you are and to me too many American women look like members of a penguin community. You'll smile at the sense of panache you feel when you put on something from "Cloris Line" and that smile will widen into a grin when you remember it costs under $50. So stand tall, ladies, here are some views of what I firmly believe you'll want to be wearing.

Her design process may be just as unique as her personality:

"Cloris and [friend/designer] Veronique have worked hard together at coming up with the perfect line for you: going through her closet at night, meeting in between two planes, trying clothes on just before a performance or in a restaurant, bouncing ideas while both being jet-lagged. Cloris's spirit is in every piece of our 'Summer Very Versatile' line."

Does Cloris as clothing designer get your vote? Leave a comment telling us what you think.

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