Convicted glasser Eva Scolaro steps into fashion line

Source From: http://www.perthnow.com.au/entertainment/perth-confidential/scolaro-steps-into-fashion-fire/story-e6frg30l-1226174891810

CONVICTED ex-model Eva Scolaro who was jailed for a vicious glassing attack, says she is moving in a "positive'' direction and has unveiled a new fashion venture.

Scolaro launched her Gorge range of shoes online today.

"I'm just testing the waters. I want to make sure I get it right,'' Scolaro told PerthNow.

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"Shoes are my number one passion. I own 110 pairs and when you own that many, you definitely know what you like.''

The former model, 26, said she had changed for the better since being released from Bandyup Women's Prison in March.

She was sentenced to 12 months jail after being found guilty of an attack at Northbridge's Library Nightclub in March 2009, when she slashed another woman in the face with a glass.

The 27-year-old victim, Roxanne Hemsley, needed 60 stitches and required plastic surgery.

But a spokesman for a victims of crime group said Scolaro's foray into fashion was offensive.

Simon Barr, whose 16-year-old son Arran died after a one-punch attack at Whitfords train station in March 2006, said: "It's a tasteless situation and I just find it disgusting.''

Scolaro claims the venture was "very positive'' for her.

"What you see here is my future, and this is where I want to be,'' she said.

"Before my brother and I were born, my mother owned a shoe store.

"Mum has always been involved in fashion whether it's in accessories or shoes, and I definitely have been influenced by her.

"She is 110 per cent supportive of it and thinks it's awesome. My partner is 110 per cent supportive as well. Support is really what gets you through I think.''

It has taken seven months for Scolaro to transform the range of seven shoes from sketches to production.

"It was a race to the finish line,'' she said.

"I went to the factory (in China) a few weeks ago and really pushed for the samples to get here in time.''

Scolaro is launching cautiously with only 50 of each style in production. Each shoe has a bright blue sole and prices range from $250-$380.

"If all goes well, I'll roll another collection out next March and I'm hoping to get into men's footwear and maybe accessories,'' she said.