By Nicole MOORE

On Tuesday, Oct. 4, actress, designer and producer Eva Longoria celebrated her new line at The Limited, titled “From Work to Wine,” by surprising shoppers at the Glendale Galleria store location.

Before meeting with customers, Longoria was ushered into the backroom of The Limited, wearing her collection’s power ponte high waisted skirt in red and her sleeveless peplum top in white. The personable actress took time to talk with The Limited’s excited managers and shopping associates, all wearing different pieces from her collection. Longoria demonstrated on an associate different ways to wear her collection’s printed bow blouse, tying the bow into a simple knot and then a feminine, looser tie.

After speaking with The Limited’s employees, Longoria spoke exclusively with the Crescenta Valley Weekly in a makeshift green room.

Longoria revealed she had been interested in curating a clothing line for most her life.

“I’ve been sewing all my life. I’ve sewn Halloween costumes for my nieces and nephews and dresses for my friends, so I’ve always wanted to do my own line,” she said. “I really love the construction of garments and I love textiles. But designing is a full time job. It just happened to be a perfect time in my life to start this collection.”

When asked about her favorite aspect of fashion design, Longoria responded, “I like textiles. I like discovering new blends and seeing what feels nice on the skin. Our T-shirts are a special French terry that feels delicious when it’s on. It’s [like] a T-shirt you’ve never worn before.”

Longoria, attributing Kerry Washington, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, and her good friend Victoria Beckham as fashion inspirations, incorporates classic, feminine silhouettes to her line. But she added that her collection, while polished, has versatility, is accessible in price, and flatters all body types. Essentially, the “From Work to Wine” line is ideal for the modern working woman.

“The collection was inspired by the working woman. A lot my friends were spending a fortune for a ‘work’ wardrobe and a ‘going out’ wardrobe. This collection is called ‘From Work to Wine’ because you can wear the pieces in both situations,” she said. “We have a lot versatile pieces. With our fit and flare dresses you can wear a blazer over it for work and then take [the blazer] off to make it your little black dress. Also our jeans are heaven [and] they are affordable in price, especially in comparison to other luxury jeans. Our jeans are made with a four-way stretch material. Everyone who has tried them on loves them. They suck you in and lift you up. They’re a great design for every woman.”

Longoria noted her favorite pieces from her collection are the dresses and the newly released cape.

“A new drop in the collection is the cape, which is trending. It is functional. [Also] our dresses are made with a power knit, so while they are beautiful, they act like Spanx. I call dresses ‘onesies’ because they are comfortable and you can zip up and go,” said Longoria.

She then snuck onto The Limited’s show room. A customer, who had been perusing through garment racks, selecting items from Longoria’s line, was awestruck when the designer tapped her on the shoulder. For the next hour Longoria was the lucky customer’s personal shopper. Onlookers were able to get pictures and exchange pleasantries with Longoria.

  Nicole MOORE