Lauren Bush, W.'s Niece, Debuts Fashion Label Under Different Name (PHOTOS)

Lauren Bush's new fashion line hits Barneys today...under the name Lauren Pierce. The niece of former President Bush has previously denied that the change has anything to do with her family legacy.

As she told W in a November interview:

"It wasn't a conscious decision....Obviously my last name is associated with politics," Bush continues. "But Pierce is my grandmother's maiden name and my younger brother's name. It's not about downplaying my last name as much as it is about loving Pierce. And my brother is very flattered."

Also of note is that she's the girlfriend of David Lauren, son of Ralph, though she told W his influence is minimal.

"Obviously in dating David and spending time with his family, they've been inspirational in some way," says Bush, noting that she hasn't shown her collection to his father. "But I've been interested in doing something like this since before ever meeting David."

Bush is well-known for her charity work, most famously creating the ubiquitous "FEED" bag, and intends to continue that tradition with her new line. According to VanityFair.com:

So Lauren, the daughter of Neil (George W's brother) and Sharon Bush, plans to partner with a different women's cause for each of her collections. For spring '09, she worked with Women for Women International, which teaches women in the Democratic Republic of the Congo how to hand-dye fabrics. The one-of-a-kind materials accent Lauren Pierce's timeless cocktail dresses, double-sided capes, and perfect-for-spring skirts, and 10 percent of the proceeds from sales go back to supporting the artisans.

PHOTOS:

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Lauren Bush in 2007

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Comments

[Jeremy Nguyen]

Here is my comment in comic form!
http://www.jeremywinslife.com/2009/03/30/bushs-apparel/

[Martampa]

Even she is ashamed of the Bush name. Daughter of the Savings and Loan Bush has quite a cross to bear.

[VOTER]

When she legally changes her LAST NAME for herself and not
for financial and public relations to sell her clothing line, I will give her, "Kudos!"
(Name change through marriage doesn't count.)

[BuzzingAlong]

Sorry, but I just can't imagine anyone in the Bush family involved in charity work, especially the daughter of Neil Bush.

[zukervati]

I'm surprised that Michelle Malkin isn't calling for Lauren's head for wearing the Kafia, the way she did for Rachel Ray in the Dunkin Donut commercial.

[BuzzingAlong]

I was thinking the same thing.

[Pupadup4oBama]

what a lovely young woman...she is smart to change her name. More power to her...hopefully her generation can redeem the Bush Klan (a long ways away)

[Fromageball]

I agree.

[AmberGaze]

Is she wearing a .k.e.f.f.i.y.e.h?

I remember when Rachel caught all kinds of flack from the Repubs, over the ill-fated Dunkin Donuts commercial.

I think we know who the real .t.e.r.r.o.r.i.s.t .s. are ! *snark*

[NoSillyName]

She must be smarter than the other Bushes.

[2008FedUP]

Could she be the ONE who rec'd the brain??

[trinity]

That black/white scarf she is wearing...call Michelle Malkin (sp), she's a terrorist!

[avenue]

LOL, I was thinking the same thing.

[leeman79]

I'd be droppin' the Bush too. Good move Lauren.

[BARRISTER]

Who cares about this Crime Family???

[joshuahmcdonald]

I hope she and David Lauren get married...Lauren Lauren...perfect!

[Pupadup4oBama]

they look REALLY great together.

[StringOfLights]

This is old news. She did this a while ago.

[roblabrousse]

Name recognition in this industry is top dog for success. Bush vs Pierce you figure it out. I doubt she opted for Pierce because it was more powerful than Bush. She's a smart girl and wants to succeed. He family connections gave her social standing. Her uncle's debacles while president diminished the family name to a virtual profanity. So Lauren Pierce good luck in your image make over and your new fashion launch. By the way is Lauren Pierce your legal name or just that of the clothes company?