“Everything is made with comfortable fabrics and designer detailing,” said Gayla. “It’s European meets American style. It’s the luxury look for the affordable price.”

For Gayla, this new collection with Stage Stores is a dream come true and the first time one of her collections will be featured on the floor of the women’s department at a nationwide department store.

In October of 2009, Gayla won ABC’s “Shark Tank.” On the show, Gayla had to pitch her idea for her clothing line to business investors. Gayla made quite the impression on not only the judges but on the entire nation including Stage Stores. “I went on the show because I wanted to find an investor who would want style regardless of size,” Gayla shared. “We were number one on Google the next day. There are so many women who want beautiful clothes of all sizes.”

Her appearance on “Shark Tank” was only the beginning. “Stage Stores saw me on television, and they liked the designs that were highlighted. I had a meeting with them, showed them my ideas, and now, we’re launching this fall. ”

Gayla’s luxury collection, Luxe, is available at NeimanMarcus.com, as well as small boutiques worldwide, but she is excited about what an affordable collection will do for her label and for modern women everywhere. “I think this will make Gayla Bentley more of a global brand,” she said. “The way the economy is right now, there are a lot of women whose economic status has changed. They need something that’s under $50, but still gets the $300 look. I think it will be a growth spurt for our company, and this collection will allow me to dress women throughout the country.”

In addition to her new venture with Stage Stores, Gayla has also garnered attention on the small screen as her clothes have been featured on HGTV’s “Design Star,” KHOU’s “Great Day Houston,” and on an upcoming episode of Lifetime’s “Drop Dead Diva” scheduled to air on August 29th. Her styles have also been recognized by O, the Oprah Magazine and countless other magazines and newspapers.

SIGNATURE STYLE

In her own words, Gayla’s company is a “fusion of fashion design and style education.” Her signature red lips found in her logo is actually an acronym for her persona mantra: Live In Personal Style – LIPS.

“I think women are looking for style. And, that’s what we’re in the business of – helping women find their personal style,” Gayla said. “That’s what makes us different. We like to educate as well as dress.”

Focus on Women publisher, Lisa Fredrickson, Gayla Bentley and Focus on Women Editor in Chief, Patti Parish-Kaminski.

Her passion for educating women on personal style comes from years as a fashion consultant. “My past is dressing women from head to toe,” Gayla said. “When you dress women for that amount a time, you know what will look good on them. So many women get frustrated, and they just don’t shop anymore. Their clothes are just coverage.”

As a fashion consultant, Gayla dressed the best to impress. “I’ve dressed a first lady of the United States and a queen before. I don’t care who it is. I see her beauty first, and I dress it to her lifestyle. When you enter a room, it shouldn’t be about what size you are, it should be about your style.”

Gayla also believes women should be “chic and classic.” That’s why she worked hard on perfecting her signature neckline and her pants. “The first thing I tackled was designing pants,” she said. “I wanted to take that fear away from women. So my pants have been my best sellers. I also love our necklines. They are feminine and flirty.”

As far as her inspiration, Gayla says she finds it in Paris and in everyday life. “I’ve really enjoyed working in Houston, and I really enjoy the peace and tranquility down here. I find my inspiration everyday.” She added with a laugh, “When I see people in something they shouldn’t be wearing, I get inspired. A lot of people just follow the trend because they don’t know any better. They think that’s what fashion is. Just because it’s a trend doesn’t mean that everybody should be wearing it. If it doesn’t work for you, put your trend into an accessory.”

FASHION FORWARD

Planning for her fashion future is at the top of Gayla’s priorities, and she has several ideas to expand the Gayla Bentley line within the next five years. “I’m proud of my past, but I’m excited to grow as a designer.”

According to Gayla, “There’s so much growth for the modern woman. I want to focus on the modern woman and give her clothes with style that fit. The next item I want to launch is braziers. The next thing after that will be kitten heels and flats. Trying to find an attractive flat is not easy.”

But, it doesn’t stop there for this Texas businesswoman. “After shoes, bathing suits will be next,” Gayla said.

When asked why she thinks her company has been so successful, Gayla response is succinct – “God”. “I pray a lot. God is very important in my life,” she said. “I’ve also been persistent. You make it happen by trying everyday. It’s a constant perseverance, and you have to be quite prepared to take a lot of rejection. It’s taken a long time to break into a department store, but it’s happening. This makes me the happiest – that women will have an affordable, luxurious look.”

Look for Gayla by Gayla Bentley in a Stage Store near you this August.