Wedding’s Over but Liz Biz Draws 3,000 to See Mrs. Fortensky at Mall

A teacher from Bakersfield used his last personal leave day to be there. A salesman rearranged his stops in order to make it.

In all, more than 3,000 people showed up at the Robinson’s in Del Amo Fashion Square in Torrance on Thursday to catch a glimpse of newlywed Elizabeth Taylor. A hundred paid $300 for a limited edition bottle of perfume, entitling them to have tea with the actress.

Those at the mall were not invited to Michael Jackson’s mountaintop last Sunday--where Taylor became Mrs. Larry Fortensky--so the mountaintop came to the mall.

“She represents a bygone era,” first-grade teacher Ted Wilson said of Taylor, 59. “She’s a nice remembrance of times past.”

Taylor stopped by the mall Thursday to promote her perfume, White Diamonds. She had been scheduled to appear Sept. 26 but canceled when she became ill.

A corps of young women in gold jackets was dispatched throughout the Robinson’s store, spritzing everyone in sight with the fragrance. By noon, the scent had filled the building.

Store officials managed to cram 3,000 people into 10,000 square feet in what is normally the lingerie area. The Bali bras and Jockey for Her underwear had been carefully tucked away.

Taylor arrived five minutes early, and her fans were clearly enthralled. Fortensky, however, did not accompany her. He had a court date Thursday in Corona on a ticket charging him with driving under the influence.