Former 'JAG' Actress Bows New Line on HSN
Actress Cindy Ambuehl launched her eponymous clothing line on Sept. 27 for the TV Shopping Network, HSN. Ambuehl played Rene Petersen on the CBS series “JAG” for three seasons and will guest star on an upcoming episode of “The Guardian” with Dabney Coleman. In addition, Ambuehl played the original role of Kimberly Swanson on “The Bold and the Beautiful” and has guest starred on other series including “Seinfeld,” “Charmed” and “Frasier.”
Ambuehl wanted to develop a clothing line that was fun, fashion-forward and stylish— without compromising fit. Intrigued by the marketing plan of HSN, she contacted the company, which quickly agreed with her idea.
HSN, which has been in business since 1977, reaches 80 million households across the country. In addition to its on-air sales, dot-com sales have become a large portion of the company’s business. Customers are able to preview and buy products on the Web site before and after the items are offered during the television broadcast.
According to June Saltzman, vice president of merchandising for HSN, the network has high hopes for Ambuehl’s line and expects it to be a long-term brand. She explained that Ambuehl’s celebrity status and television experience makes the designer “the perfect demographic for a successful line on HSN.” Other actresses, including Susan Lucci and Suzanne Somers, also currently have exclusive lines on HSN. “The brand gets to be the biggest at HSN when the personality and/or designer truly has their hands in the development of the product,” Saltzman added.
Ambuehl, who was a former fit model, has been developing the line for the last year and a half. She said that the experience gave her the opportunity to be behind the scenes and learn about production. “I know exactly what went into putting each piece together,” she said.
During her fit model days, Ambuehl said she would suggest how to change and improve the garments. “I was the fit model who wouldn’t shut up,” she joked.
The actress-turned-designer said she wants to offer choices that are versatile, fashionable and easy-to-wear so each customer can look “pulled together” and like she “gets it.”
“I’mtrying to really bring cuttingedge fashion to women of all ages, all lifestyles and all sizes,” she said.
The size range for her line is 6 to 3X, the standard range for all lines offered on HSN. Ambuehl’s collection is one of five denimbased lines offered on HSN and will be sold exclusively on the network.
Her first collection features glitzy, embellished pieces including denim styles with hand beading or embroidery, flocked cotton twill and cotton/Lycra jersey. Styles offered include T-shirts, skirts, pants, dusters, a peasant blouse, a cotton tunic and handbags. Retail prices are moderate, with hand-beaded or embroidered denim jeans priced at $64.90, full-length dusters priced at $69.90, flocked denim skirts and jeans ranging from $49.90 to $54.90, cotton knits ranging from $22.40 to $43.50, and handbags priced at $33.50. A second more sophisticated collection is scheduled to air in November, and others will follow in March, April and May.
For more information on HSN and Ambuehl’s line, go to www.hsn.com, or call (727) 872-1000.
—N. Jayne Seward
