A Cambridgeshire woman who has had more than £200,000-worth of cosmetic surgery has revealed plans to launch a women’s clothing and accessories retail empire – with the backing of a UK-based billionaire.
49-year-old London-based billionaire Jonathan de Mornay – brother of American actress Rebecca de Mornay - is investing a seven figure sum in 47-year-old Sarah Burge’s vision for an international retail chain.
Sarah is known in the media as the Real Life Barbie (www.reallifebarbie.com ). Her new store will champion the philosophy that women should be able to wear any clothes they choose with confidence - whatever age they may be.
Jonathan said,
“Sarah is an extraordinary woman. She is a paradox of beauty, sensuality and innocence all rolled into one. Her international TV and radio appearances have captivated millions of people not least for her energy and enthusiasm.
“It is this spirit, along with her unique retail vision, which I believe will make her fashion venture a huge success.”
The stores will be launched in 2008 at a prestigious first location in London’s Knightsbridge. Sarah is already in the advanced stage of finalising supplier agreements and fine-tuning the name and look for the new store.
Sarah said,
“Not everyone agrees with my forthright approach to life. But the enormous level of support I have received from thousands of men and women alike through my website has spurred me on to develop this retail chain.
“The shops will be for every woman who believes life is all about being the very best that you can be, and women who are brave enough to stand out from the crowd. That’s the spirit that inspires me.”
Sarah’s retail plans are the latest step in her increasingly-public career which has seen her profile grow dramatically with national UK media appearances on Richard and Judy, GMTV, Radio 5 and Radio 4, Sky News, The James Whale show and Kerrang radio amongst others.
And the media interest has gone on to generate hundreds of thousands of hits on her website www.reallifebarbie.com. Sarah has also had several marriage proposals from fans in this country and throughout the world including Singapore, Russia, Norway and Italy.
Earlier this year Sarah signed an exclusive contract to have a film of her life story produced and broadcast in Japan. NTV (Nippon Television) - Japan's first national TV network - has swooped to sign up Sarah Burge for the company’s top-rated The World Astonishing News show.
