Raquel Welch dazzles fans at Naperville book signing
Even at 70 years old, Raquel Welch can still take people's breath away.
The Hollywood icon appeared Saturday at Anderson's Bookshop in downtown Naperville to sign copies of her new memoir, “Beyond the Cleavage.
When she emerged shortly after 1 p.m., dressed in an off-white pantsuit and a leopard-print top, gasps could be heard among the dozens who waited to meet her.
“She looks amazing, one fan whispered.
Welch spoke briefly to the crowd before getting down to the business of signing books.
“It's a special privilege to be here, Welch said. “This is a unique store, as you know family owned. It's the American dream, really, and it feels very special to see you here today.
The Chicago-born Welch has been a beauty and fashion icon for decades, and her career includes work on film, television and in the theater.
Her profile skyrocketed with the release of a publicity image from the 1967 film “One Million Years B.C., in which she's pictured wearing an animal-skin bikini. That shot quickly became iconic, and for those who grew up in the 1960s and 1970s, her name was a kind of shorthand for movie-star beauty.
Welch discusses her career and her upbringing in “Beyond the Cleavage. She also offers beauty tips and other practical advice for women in what she earlier described to the Daily Herald as a “woman-to-woman dialogue.
Lisa Kelley of Darien was the first person to get a book signed by Welch on Saturday.
“Oh my God, she's so gorgeous, and I'm so honored that I got a chance to meet her, Kelley said. “I hope I can look like that when I'm her age! And how awesome that she came to our neighborhood to do this.
Naperville resident Barbara Kaurin said she became interested in the book after seeing Welch on “The Oprah Winfrey Show.
“I was amazed at how well-preserved she was, and how down to earth, Kaurin said. When asked if she was fascinated by Welch back in Welch's heyday, Kaurin smiled. “I was a little jealous, actually.
Liz Hellem of Woodridge didn't get a chance to have her book signed, but she did show up at Anderson's to catch a glimpse of Welch.
“She's so honest and energetic, Hellem said. “And I admire her story.
Fans had to purchase the book at Anderson's to get a place in the signing line. The store sold 190 copies of the book for the event.
Welch's book signing was only the first celebrity appearance of the day at Anderson's. Hilary Duff was scheduled to sign books on Saturday evening.
“It's great exposure for the store, and it's great for downtown Naperville, said Gail Wetta, events coordinator at Anderson's. “It's a lot of work, too.