Jaclyn Smith: "The Legend Comes to Largo"

Furniture World Magazine

Largo, Inc., an importer of bedroom and dining furniture, will introduce a line of home furnishings in fall 2002 inspired and designed by the Award-winning actress, Jaclyn Smith. The new collection, Jaclyn Smith Home, will include up to 40 pieces and will be available in retail stores in early 2003. Ms. Smith, a native of Houston, was a natural partner for Largo, said Glenn Wakefield, president and CEO of the furniture company. "Jaclyn Smith exemplifies elegance, refinement, warmth and devotion to home and family – attributes that make her an excellent role model and complement Largo’s mission as a company. Ms. Smith will join our company and support our marketing efforts not only in her own collection, but as an ambassador for our entire firm. We are delighted to say that Jaclyn Smith the Legend comes to Largo. This new and exciting venture bring our company to an entirely new level." The Jaclyn Smith collection will have an elegant, traditional style with warm finishes, Wakefield said. "Ms. Smith does all of her own interior design for her family, and she will have a major role in the design of the collection. Jaclyn Smith Home will have hallmarks of her own personal style and her own collection of antiques. Two unique divisions of the collections will be Southern Heritage by Jaclyn Smith and Angel by Jaclyn Smith." Smith said: "I was impressed by Glenn Wakefield and the Largo Team from our very first meeting. Through the years, many gifted people have approached me about the marketing of home products. When I met the talented people at Largo, I knew the moment was right. Interior design and furniture collection are long term passions of mine. It’s a wonderful opportunity to join the fine team at Largo as we develop my brand, and I will make every effort to bring attention to this extraordinary company. They have captured my vision. Their design team is working closely with me so that our association will result in furniture and collectible pieces which are unique and affordable." Largo has been importing furniture for 14 years. The company has distinguished itself in the marketplace for value and reliable service. In an industry where customers often wait weeks, even months, for ordered furniture to arrive in their local stores, Largo’s average turnaround time from warehouse to store is five days. Smith began her career in theater, then appeared in advertising for Breck, Max Factor, Wella Balsam and others before going to Hollywood. Smith initially became famous for her role as Kelly Garrett on Charlie’s Angels. Smith has since starred in the critically acclaimed Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy, one of the most highly rated telefilms of all time, as well as in George Washington, Florence Nightingale, and a number of television miniseries based on the novels of Sidney Sheldon and Danielle Steele. In 1985, Smith pioneered the concept of famous people developing their own brands rather than merely endorsing others. Smith’s signature clothing and accessories have been purchased by more than 100 million women nationwide. The market research firm of Kurt Salmon and Associates acknowledges Jaclyn Smith as the most successful sportswear collection in its category in America today. The Women’s Wear Daily 100 ranks Jaclyn ahead of some of the world’s most famous designers, including Yves Saint Laurent, Halston, DKNY, J.Crew and Perry Ellis. Smith’s charity work is recognized globally. She serves as a spokesperson for numerous organizations, including the American Heart Association. She works diligently to combat cancer and heart disease. She is the permanent chairperson for Ability First. Smith emphasizes that her first priority is her family. "My work has always been very exciting and interesting, but to me, my family must come first." Smith lives in Southern California with husband Bradley Allen, a pediatric heart surgeon. Her son is Gaston-Anthony and her daughter is Spencer-Margaret. The family resides in Southern California while spending frequent time in Houston, Texas. Jaclyn Smith’s business interests are managed exclusively by Sterling/Winters Company of Los Angeles, California. Jack Gilardi, Jaclyn Smith’s long time agent of International Creative Management in Los Angeles represented Ms. Smith in the negotiation. Promotion and marketing for Jaclyn Smith Home will be handled by Fyock & Associates, a full service communications firm in Winston-Salem, NC who initiated conversations on Largo’s behalf with International Creative Management.