Jewel & Blaire Restaneo

Title: cover story: Shooting stars Jewel & Blaire Restaneo.

Date : 8/1/2001 ; Publication : Children's Business; Author : Clark, Erin E.

YOU DON 'T HAVE TO BE A STAR to wear this season's glam fashions, but it doesn't hurt. Blaire and Jewel Restaneo, who play the Oakley sisters in Broadway's "Annie Get Your Gun," found Ace Ross Studios' version a perfect fit when modeling for the spree cover. Featuring glitter and star "tattoos," the denim sportswear is just one of many rock star looks in the new Ace Ross Studios collection for kids. No stranger to show business, owner/designer Ace Ross puts the hot trend in historical perspective, drawing a direct parallel to the very contemporary, yet vintage-inspired designs he churns out today. "The rock stars all wore glitter and sequins, bell-bottoms and platform shoes. Everyone was an individual. People were sewing patches on their clothes or wearing a printed T-shirt that made them feet good about their belief systems," explains Ross, who frontlined a rock band, starred in numerous TV films and performed in the 20th anniversary stage revival of "Hair" before entering the rag trade. He continues:

"Kids today really love to be educated on the '60s, '70s and '80s music and trends. These times were so amazing because it was about self-expression."

Rising stars Jewel 9, and Blaire, 7, express themselves through the arts. The Houston , Pennsylvania , natives sing, dance and act. Currently acting on Broadway alongside Crystal Bernard as Jessie and Nellie Oakley, the sisters got their start as Annie and Molly in national tour of "Annie." Their singing and dancing career kicked off when Jewel started performing locally to raise money for charity. Eventually the bug bit little sister Blaire, and she got in on the act. Now the pair are eyeing Hollywood , where a TV series based on a concept created by Jewel is in development. "`Kids Web World' is about children going on adventures with their animated computer friends," explains Jewel, who has written in a character called "Diamond" for her sister.

While trying on the latest Fall looks in the Ace Ross Studios showroom, the girls revealed another idea in the works -- a kids' clothing line.