The Olsen twins have done it right. So have Jessica Simpson, Justin Timberlake, Gwen Stefani, and Victoria Beckham.
So, why do so many celebrity “fashion lines” go wrong?
Well, the first reason, in my humble opinion, would be that, in order to have a successful fashion empire, one must 1.) have input and be a part of the creative process and 2.) know a thing or two about fashion.
In a world where EVERY celebrity seemingly has perfume lines and clothing lines, where reality “stars” become ACTUAL stars, and where models become actors who become musicians who become fashion designers and business owners and authors, it’s safe to say that the lines are pretty….blurry….in Hollywood.
That being said, it’s easy to write off a celebrity’s clothing line simply because they are a celebrity, assuming that they have no business being in the business of fashion.
However, some do.
Justin Timberlake’s line, William Rast, has been very successful; well known for its Americana flair.
Jessica Simpson was recently called a “mogul” by Oprah Winfrey as her fashion empire of clothes, handbags, shoes, and jewelry has expanded to over $1 billion worth. (In my opinion, her fashion efforts are better than any singing or acting career that she may have at one time had.)
Victoria Beckham debuted her designs last year to rave reviews during New York Fashion Week and a coveted Women’s Wear Daily cover.
Gwen Stefani’s eclectic rocker look has taken the world by storm with her L.A.M.B. line.
The most shining example of celebrity-designers-gone-right, though, is that of the Olsen twins. They’ve come a long way from their “you got it, dude!” days playing Michelle Tanner on Full House. With the likes of fashion plate and First Lady Michelle Obama being a fan of their clothes, they must be doing something right. Recently, they were given high praises and critical acclaim by the CFDA (Council of Fashion Designers of America) in the form of being nominated as the year’s top womenswear designers, particularly for their high-end clothing line, The Row.
They also created the clothing lines Elizabeth & James, and Olsenboye, and have emblazoned their personal senses of style into mainstream pop culture forever: oversized clothes with oversized sunglasses and oversized bags, a slightly messy, modern-hippie, yet somehow sophisticated look they like to call Boho-chic.
They’ve graced a recent cover of Newsweek as America’s Next Billionaires, but even more impressive is their credibility. They’ve truly had a hand in the creative processes regarding their clothing lines and their business endeavors – and that, my friends, deserves some respect.
So, tell us – which celebrities do you WISH would come out with their own fashion line? Rhianna? Blake Lively? Fan Bing Bing?
Tweet us @ManiacMagazine or leave a comment below on which celebs you wish would enter the fashion world….and who you wish would just disappear.
— Ashley Marie Boynes
