Melissa McCarthy Says Her Clothing Line For Plus-Sized Women Will Break All The Rules

Actress Melissa McCarthy studied textiles at Southern Illinois University a long time back, but didn't decide to become a fashion designer until now, at age 44. The star of the CBS comedy series "Mike And Molly" is all set to launch her first clothing collection, Melissa McCarthy Seven7, in August. She also appears on the cover of More magazine, in which she talks about her new collection and the perceived need for it.

"People don't stop at size 12. I feel like there's a big thing missing where you can't dress to your mood above a certain number. [Malls] segregate plus-size," McCarthy told More magazine. She finds it odd that plus-sized women like her can't go to shopping with best friends because their store is “upstairs hidden by the tire section.”

The actress says she wants to break the general norms that say women should not dress fashionably beyond a certain size. McCarthy said she “would love to be a part of breaking that down." Her plus-sized clothing like will be different from the kind of clothes that are currently available in the market for large women. "Only wear solids? Don't wear bright colors? That's not real. Somebody made up these rules, and I disagree."

McCarthy's upcoming collection will include about 80 pieces that range from sizes 4 to 28. Prices will range from $59 to $159. The collection will be available through retailers such as Nordstrom, Bloomingdale's and Macy's. People will also be able to order online at MelissaMcCarthy.com.

How does she manage the role of a designer amid a busy television schedule? McCarthy told the magazine that her new job profile is “pretty consuming” as she does not trust people under her to take charge of things on her behalf. She wants to “make people feel good” about wearing dresses that bear her name, so she just “can't pass it off." She initially decided that she will not attend meetings with her manufacturing partner, Sunrise Brands. But being a perfectionist, McCarthy even started delivering drawings and giving her final verdict on the measurements.