Hollywood Beauties Turned Fashion Designers

She is beloved on the TV hit “Heroes,” but now actress Hayden Panettiere is ready to spread her wings in the world of handbag design. 

The TV star, who is already Dooney & Bourke’s spokesmodel, has reportedly teamed up with the label’s designer Peter Dooney to create the perfect bag for Spring 2009.  The bag will be named after the star herself.  According to the actress’ rep, the “Hayden Clutch” will be crafted from Italian calfskin and fastened with a 24-carat gold plated lion head, inspired by her astrological sign the Leo.

The blonde beauty says the lion’s head clasp is significant to the bag’s design as it represents all that she stands for.  Panettiere says she opted to go with the lion’s head rather than place her name on the bag so as to not distract from the clutch itself. 

The actress reportedly designed the clutch’s shape and chose the colors as well.  The new bag will come in a variety of shades including blue, red, black, white, brown, hot pink and purple.

The Hayden Clutch, $295, will hit Dooney & Bourke stores nationwide in a few weeks. 

Meanwhile, actress Mischa Barton is also speaking out about her fashion sense.  The movie mistress just released a new video musing about her love of all things related to fashion and providing insights on what influences her unique look. 

“I think that personal sense of style is all about being individual,” Barton says, “and wearing whatever makes you feel comfortable — as quirky or as normal and safe as you want to be.”

In regards to her own look Barton says, “It’s just kind of eclectic and all over the place.”

Though, the actress does admit to having a weakness for rock ‘n’ roll inspired fashion and admits to admiring the 70s rock stars such as Anita Pallenberg and Marianne Faithfull.

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