Melissa McCarthy Gives Sneak Peek of Her Clothing Line – then Debuts a Jon Stewart-Printed Maxi Dress

Melissa McCarthy has been on a stylish streak lately, making grand red carpet entrances while promoting her film Spy in glam maxis and pretty print dresses. But she took a totally different tack Wednesday while in N.Y.C. to debut her clothing line, Melissa McCarthy Seven7, stepping out in N.Y.C. wearing a sleek monochromatic ensemble with fun yellow shoes.

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The actress took a break from her jetsetting schedule to introduce her fall line (which will be sold online and in department stores and top out at about $159) to a select group of editors at a downtown hotel. She isn’t giving too much away yet, but she did share a few peeks at the collection, including a cat sweater which made her choke up while talking about it to PEOPLE. She changed into a different look for the presentation, consisting of a paisley cardi over a print tunic and jeans — and also got a visit from some very stylish friends, including longtime pal Brian Atwood, whom she met at the Fashion Institute of Technology, and credits for convincing her to leave fashion design and go to L.A. for comedy.

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It would be difficult to top a style statement like presenting your own clothing line in a fancy hotel, but McCarthy somehow managed with her final look of the day: a kimono-style dress that pays a tribute to Jon Stewart (who’s stepping down from his show this summer). The black, white and red design showed off the talk show host in many different moods (pensive! happy! bemused!) as well as a pair of killer platform sandals, thanks to the center slit.

The star has address her disappointing shopping experiences in the past, and ultimately is focused on bringing an empowering and exciting clothing experience to women of all sizes. “I’m trying to give women a closet that gives them some variety,” McCarthy told PEOPLE. “I want women to get dressed every day and feel good about themselves. I don’t care what it is, if it’s dyeing your hair blue, if it’s a sweater, whatever you want to do, if it makes you feel good and empowered, I stand behind it 100 percent. And if I can be a little tiny block on that wall, I’d be proud of that.”

Which of her looks is your favorite? Are you excited to shop her line?

–Alex Apatoff
Follow @nicefunalex

Related video: Melissa McCarthy explains why she’s obsessed with wigs!