Reba welcomes fans at Dillard's

To a crowd of about 1,400 fans during the grand opening of Dillard's in south Reno, Reba McEntire showcased outfits from her fashion line, Reba.

The airy skirts and sparkly tops contrasted with the clothing of her youth.

"I grew up on a working cattle ranch in Oklahoma," she explained. "I had a clothing line then - it was called hand-me-downs."

She said she would often get clothes that came from her cousins to her older sister, then to her.

Now people want to wear what she does. That's why she and the co-stars of her television show, "Reba," will wear clothing from her line on air.

"You get to wear what we wear," she told the audience.

Country music icon turned movie and television star as well as Broadway performer, McEntire presented her latest endeavor to fans Thursday night at the recently opened department store.

Dillard's is an anchor tenant in the $100 million center that will feature 70 shops and restaurants upon its completion.

Dillard's Vice President Drue Dillard Corbusier said the company was happy with the new store.

"I was thrilled to come to Reno," she said. "We don't have this type of topography in Texas. This is God's country."

McEntire, who visited 12 stores last year for similar openings, was pleased with the Reno turnout, as well as the feedback from the crowd. She watched audience reaction during the fashion show and noted the enthusiasm expressed when one of the models removed her peach-colored jacket to reveal the "bling-bling underneath."

"That's what we're trying to do more of," she explained, "the bling-bling."

The grand opening of the shopping center at 13925 S. Virginia St. began Wednesday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and extended into Thursday, culminating with McEntire's appearance that evening.

• Contact features editor Teri Vance at tvance@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1272.