Fergie signs at South Coast

COSTA MESA — Kacia Walter has seen her favorite pop star, Fergie, six times already. The San Luis Obispo resident has attended her concerts and signings and met her on the set of her “Fergalicious” video shoot — and it goes without saying that she hits the nearest boutique whenever Fergie’s fashion line releases a new bag.

So when Kacia, 14, got in line for Fergie’s autograph at South Coast Plaza Saturday afternoon, it didn’t feel much like a celebrity sighting. It was closer to a family reunion.

“She’s like my sister, so I’ve got to represent,” said Kacia, who attends eighth grade and drove four miles to the signing with her father. “I’ve been there since the beginning.”

Kacia may be an old hand at tracking down Fergie, but judging from the screams inside Macy’s Saturday, at least a few fans were getting their first glimpse of her.

More than 100 people packed the floor level of the department store with cellphone cameras and Fergie handbags as her songs played over speakers, and many crowd members chanted her name repeatedly as they waited for her to appear.

Finally, shortly after 3 p.m., Fergie appeared on a small stage wearing a tight black dress and posed as cameras clicked around her.

The singer and actor, whose handbag line The Dutchess debuted recently from Kipling, offered a sneak preview of her new collection — titled Show Off — and signed purses and glossy photographs.

“I am so excited right now,” Fergie told the crowd upon arriving, her voice somewhat audible over the cheers.

A moment later, she offered an explanation of her new line’s name.

“It’s called Show Off because in my life, I’ve had to take risks and be a daredevil, and this collection reflects that,” she said.

Each attendee was limited to one autograph, which meant that some had to pick and choose what they wanted signed.

Miranda Sosa, 15, of Huntington Beach, stood in line with her 10-year-old sister, Tanna, and finally opted to get Fergie’s signature on the glossy.

“I was thinking about the purse, but the picture’s going to last longer,” she explained.

MICHAEL MILLER may be reached at (714) 966-4617 or at [email protected].