By Gina Joseph
Macomb Daily Staff Writer

Last Sunday I had the good fortune of meeting Jane Seymour, a celebrated actress, author and designer. I attended a gathering at the Parisian in The Village of Rochester Hills celebrating the premiere of Seymour's new "Grand Hotel-Mackinac Island Collection."

"I wanted to return to the era of romance and turn-of-the century elegance that I treasure, and give it a contemporary refinement that will suit any home," said Seymour. "This magnificent hotel and island in northern Michigan have special meaning to me not only for their style, but also as the locations for one of my favorite movies, "Somewhere in Time (Universal Studios, 1980)."

Seymour partnered with Saks Department Store Group to create an exclusive line inspired by her Malibu home in sunny California and St. Catherine's Court, a fabled 14th century manor house in England that Seymour shares with her husband, actor/director James Keach, and six children. The collections -- Coastal, Victorian and The Grand Hotel-Mackinac Island -- feature a wonderful wardrobe for the bed, including soft puffy quilts, reversible print comforters, luxurious silk/cotton blend sheets and sumptuous decorative pillows trimmed in lace, ruffles and hand-stitched embroidery. Complementing each one are groups of decorative accessories befitting just about any room in the house.

I was particularly fond of the silver teapot lamps and the white wrought iron bistro table and chairs. They looked like something my grandmother Lily might have had in her English home. Others were smitten with the musical eggs that opened to reveal a treasured trinket and played, among other tunes, "Somewhere in Time."

The eggs were very ornate and just $19. My favorite comforter and the set that Seymour has in her master bedroom was the Verandah. The elegant gold and crÎme damask striped comforter with matching shams and bed skirt set is $299.99.

One of the biggest fans of the collection was R.D. Musser III, owner of The Grand Hotel.

"I think it's great," said Musser, who was sporting eyewear as fashionable as Seymour's collection. "The flowers and the light colors, the Victorian pieces, and just the fact that Jane did it. Her love of pretty things is reflected in the collection."

Speaking of pretty, Jane wore a bright red dress with a stunning diamond heart necklace. She did not arrive with a bang, but more like a gentle breeze. People were looking at quilts when all at once there she was chitchatting with guests. Of course, everyone wanted the star's autograph. So, armed with two black and one silver marker, she graciously signed everything from musical eggs and stationery sets to outdoor planter boxes. Never once did she balk at a request.

During the party, Seymour spoke to the audience about her collection, saying it was not only a reflection of The Grand Hotel but of the Americana style. To that, the British-born actress added that she too will become a piece of Americana.

"I'm about to become an American citizen," she said.

Delighted, her fans cheered.

When the two of us finally had the chance to talk, I asked Seymour what it was like to work with the modern-day Superman, Christopher Reeve.

"Of all the actors I've worked with, he was one of my favorite," Seymour said in her silky English accent. "He remained a very close friend of mine until the day he died."

When Reeve agreed to star in "Somewhere in Time," a lot of critics questioned his judgment. They said the movie was too small for such a big star. Critics dammed it. Seymour said the bad press haunted Reeve but the two of them knew -- from the moment they arrived on the island and started production on the film -- it would prove to be a great move.

"We knew this simple little movie would be something special," Seymour said.

For more details on Jane Seymour's Home Collections at Parisian, visit www.parisian.com or call (248) 276-6705. For information on The Grand Hotel and the "Somewhere in Time" suite, visit www.grandhotel.com.

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