Boutique, GirlStar Label Has Attracted Attention

Sharp is well-known in the industry for her upscale Holly Sharp Boutique in Corona del Mar, and for launching the GirlStar juniors label for Gotcha Sportswear International in Irvine. Her high profile also drew the attention last summer of Ohio-based Abercrombie & Fitch, the rapidly expanding maker of collegiate-style clothes for young men and women.

Sharp said Abercrombie asked her if she would be interested in designing a girls’ surfwear line. But Sharp, an insider in the close-knit surfwear scene--which tends to close ranks when outsiders approach--declined.

Sharp said there are already many strong surfwear companies, and Abercrombie & Fitch does not have roots in the industry.

Abercrombie & Fitch said Tuesday it is planning to launch a new product line for the back-to-school shopping season, but declined to elaborate.

Tommy Hilfiger Inc. promoted its surfwear line in 1998 by hooking up with the well-known Paskowitz clan, a family of surfers who operate the Paskowitz Summer Surf camp at San Onofre State Beach. While many locals scoffed at that connection, it appears to be enduring.

Jonathan Paskowitz, the family spokesman, manned an ASR trade show booth Saturday that featured an expanded line of surfwear labeled “Paskowitz Surfwear created by Tommy Hilfiger.” He said it’s selling well.

Hilfiger declined to comment Tuesday except to say the New York company is “very satisfied” with its arrangement with the Paskowitz family.