Imelda Marcos to launch fashion line

Ex-Philippine first lady, shoe maven to sell jewelry, accessories

	Imelda Marcos, the flamboyant widow of former Philippine strongman Ferdinand Marcos, is to launch her line of funky jewelry, clothing and shoes in hopes of attracting younger generation not yet born when Imelda and her family ruled the country for 20 years until their ouster in 1986.
Bullit Marquez / AP

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updated 9:56 a.m. ET Nov. 6, 2006

MANILA, Philippines - Former Philippine first lady Imelda Marcos, who made headlines for her vast shoe collection, is embarking on a new project — a fashion line.

The 77-year-old widow of dictator Ferdinand Marcos told reporters Monday that she planned to launch “The Imelda Collection” of fashion jewelry and accessories on Nov. 18.

Marcos became notorious for her shopping trips to ritzy shops in New York while her country wallowed in poverty under martial law declared by her husband.

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The first of Marcos’ designs to be shown to the public are accessories and the jewelry and will “not yet” include shoes, her daughter, Imee Marcos, said.

Lying on a divan in a Manila hotel’s seaside garden, Imelda Marcos wore a gossamer top, black pants and several chunky necklaces, rings and bracelet sets from her collection as her grandson Martin “Borgy” Manotoc directed a photo shoot.

“One day my grandson came to me and said, ‘Mama Meldy, I would like to use your collection to tell the world (about) the real Imelda and the spirit of my grandma,”’ she told reporters. “It’s only beauty that can feed the spirit.”

Imelda Marcos said the items will be inexpensive, costing about $20 to $100, but her daughter said prices and details about the collection are still being completed.