MALo by Mario Lopez for Kmart

 By Laura Medina

Following in Sofia Vergara's hot strutting footsteps for Kmart, the discount retailer asked "Access Hollywood's" Mario Lopez to see if he's willing to follow...

Mario said "yes."  Their collaboration is Kmart's idea of designer male underwear, "MALo."  The MaLo collection will feature an assortment of underwear and t-shirts in comfortable, flattering styles.

On yesterday's launch at Kmart at Fairfax and 3rd St. in Hollywood, Mario walked directly from his reporting duties at The Grove for "Access Hollywood"...

Then, they literally stopped traffic and generated a lot of fans hootering and hollering as Mario and his underwear army marched across 3rd St. from The Grove to Kmart.

MALo is a double entendre or a play on a word that has two meanings.

Malo is "bad" in Spanish but it is also a play on the first two letters on his name, "MA" from Mario and "Lo" from Lopez.  Hence, "Half Good. Two Thirds Bad," slightly naughty, slightly edgy.

"I'm real happy to be teaming up with Kmart.  Excited partnering up with Kmart because I grew next to a Kmart."  So, the Kmart collaboration really reaches back to his childhood, giving back and an honor.

He wants to give back by offering a high-quality products at affordable prices and Kmart was the perfect place.

On being painted gold as the Statue of David, "It was sort of weird and funny at the same time.  They were going for the Statue of David and other male iconic figures.  It was the Olympics at that time.  It was fun."

As for what is his favorite piece among the underwear collection, it's the briefs.  "They're comfortable, well-made, and affordable, especially for the holidays."

There could be a possibility that his "MALo" underwear line can be a potential launching pad for other extensions, such as a full fashion and accessories expansions but we'll see how "MALo" does.



Obviously, his huge fan base has followed him from The Grove to the Kmart across the street.

This was a huge Hollywood glamour event for the everyday retailer.  Of course, it was exciting!

If you want a comfortable classic tee-shirt that your girlfriend or wife or daughter can steal or a pair of comfortable, well-constructed briefs at a reasonable price, today is the day to get "MALo" at Kmart.