Report: ‘Imelda Collection’ shoe line to be launched December

A new shoe line inspired by former First Lady Imelda Marcos, widow of the late Philippine strongman Ferdinand Marcos, is set for an international launch in December, the Los Angeles Times reported Monday. In its online edition, the paper (latimes.com) said Imelda's daughter Imee and Imee's two sons will launch the ‘Imelda Collection," which it described as a "funky, streetwise line of jewelry, clothing and shoes." "Next month, Imelda's daughter Imee Marcos and Imee's two sons will introduce the Imelda Collection: a funky, streetwise line of jewelry, clothing and shoes. They hope the fashion line will attract a younger generation not yet born when Imelda Marcos trod the world stage," it said. The story said the vintage line features "pink sneakers with diamond-tipped shoelaces, monster-sized brooches, diamond- and pearl-studded earrings, dog-collar chokers and regal Cleopatra bracelets." It quoted Imee, a member of the House of Representatives, as saying the fashion accessories will sell for $30 and up, and will include limited-edition copies Imelda "will help redesign and colorize" along with her two fashion-model grandsons. Imee said her mother had "always been practical" and would recycle fashion items, including making outfits from old beads and dismembered earrings. "Not since Cinderella had shoes commanded so much notice. Imelda immediately became an international joke. Yet she insisted her shoes vindicated her: 'When they broke into the palace, they went into my closet looking for stolen loot,' she said in an often-repeated line. 'And all they found were shoes, beautiful shoes,'" the LA Times story said. Manila has a museum devoted to highlighting 600 pairs of the former first lady's footwear. - GMANews.TV