Katie Holmes has never made an effort to avoid the public since surprising ex-husband Tom Cruise by filing for divorce and sole custody of their 6-year-old daughter Suri. But she has never said anything to the press until the much-anticipated New York Fashion Week kicked off last week.

While Holmes and her daughter have often been spotted strolling in New York, she has not granted interviews or released any statements regarding her personal life or career. This is gradually changing as the former Dawson's Creek star is about to launch her own fashion line.

Holmes stepped out for an event Wednesday night to present an award to fashion designer Carolina Herrera. It was her first official public appearance, and it happened at the 9th Annual Style Awards in Lincoln Center.

Clear about her intent to focus on her career as a designer and entrepreneur, Holmes' first recorded interview since her divorce was with a woman's fashion and style magazine.

Speaking to Women's Wear Daily, Holmes opened up about her feelings towards the press hounding her for interviews.

"I have a lot of feelings about the press. There are a lot of people with much bigger problems and who are less fortunate. I try to keep it all in perspective," she said.

Holmes, who had agreed to be a guest judge at a Project Runway episode, has created a fashion line with her friend and former stylist, Jeanne Yang.

Holmes & Yang will showcase their Spring/Summer creations on Wednesday, still in time for the New York Fashion Week. Rumour has it that Holmes had moved her fashion show date from Sept. 9 to Sept. 12 due to pressure from former close friend Victoria Beckham.

Meanwhile, Bobbi Brown has asked Holmes to endorse her make-up products, and the actress has agreed.

Brown said in interviews that she and Holmes have just met barely two months ago, but things quickly fell into place for them.

"We just connected. We clicked. We're both from the Midwest, we're both entrepreneurs, we're both working moms... We had a really great time together," Brown said.

Brown further said she sees Holmes as "the most beautiful brunette, natural, outdoorsy. Katie is the new Ali McGraw." 

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