The art of being famous is difficult to master, but transitioning to another art form is even more challenging. Though not their original career path, each of these celebrities have found much success in the world of fashion design, creating unique pieces that their fellow friends in Hollywood can be found wearing. Here we take a look at celebrities that have made a larger name for themselves as designers than their original career paths.
Celebrity Designers: Our 5 Favourite A-List Clothing Collections
Victoria Beckham
As one fifth of the internationally renowned pop sensation The Spice Girls, Victoria Beckham has been on the scene since the early 90s. Nicknamed ‘Posh Spice’ for her exquisite taste in fashion and choice of high-end designers, Victoria Beckham has consistently been on the fashion radar for setting trends from hairstyles, to shoes and attitude.
Though an extremely talented singer, Victoria Beckham shifted her focus to fashion, something which she has always loved. In 2000, she began walking the catwalks for various designers on runways worldwide. Roberto Cavalli dressed and styled her exclusively for events in 2006, solidifying her as a fashion icon to watch. It was shortly after this monumental vote of confidence that Victoria Beckham launched her dvb eyewear line featuring stylish sunglasses. “I’m quite obsessed with sunglasses. I collect vintage Guccis and Carreras — they can make virtually any outfit look cool.”
The success of her eyewear collection was followed by the dvb denim line which boasts various styles and appeals to fashionistas worldwide. It wasn’t until her dress collection was introduced, that Victoria Beckham was seen as a designer to watch. With sophisticated silhouettes, classic styles and attention to detail, the pieces in her much sought-after collection are must-have pieces in any wardrobe.
Her quality collection and innovative designs earned Victoria Beckham the “Designer of the Year” award at the British Fashion Awards in 2011.
Mary Kate And Ashley Olsen
Introduced to the world as Michelle Tanner on the famed television series 'Full House,' Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen’s careers started before they were a year old. They continued to act in many movies, such as 'Billboard Dad,' 'Two of a Kind' and 'New York Minute,' the latter being Ashley’s last acting role. Though Mary-Kate continues to take on sporadic gigs, the sisters’ main focus lies in fashion: The Row, Olsenboye for J.C. Penney, Elizabeth and James and StyleMint.
Established in 2006, The Row is a couture collection featuring eyewear, handbags and ready-to-wear pieces. Long silhouettes and draped fabrics are key elements to the lines that boast longevity in the styles. The brand “reflects a sense of relaxed and timeless elegance, focusing on fine fabrics and the perfect fit.”
The duo's Elizabeth and James line (named after two of their siblings), boasts pieces that reflect vintage finds as well as those found in their own wardrobes. In addition to this contemporary line, they also have Olsenboye for J.C. Penney which is “inspired by trends and qualities unique to beloved cities around the world.” The collection features a full range of clothing options from skirts and shorts, to dresses, tops and accessories. This brand also boasts seasonal movies that feature the new additions to the collection as a way to connect with their loyal followers.
Mary Kate and Ashley’s most recent fashion venture comes in the form of their line StyleMint, which features T-shirts designed by the sisters. The brand “offers what Mary-Kate and Ashley do best- impeccable design, perfect fit and unparalleled quality, all in a T Shirt styled for you.”
Jessica Simpson
As one of the greatest singers to emerge in the 90s, Jessica Simpson was destined for greatness. She fought for her spot at the top among the likes of Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera, with catchy pop songs and a darling personality. Though her success as a pop artist has slowed, she remains a prominent figure.
With an eye for fashion, Jessica Simpson has consistently been a celebrity to watch for inspiration about trends and beauty. Her initial venture into the fashion industry was through her Jessica Simpson Collection which features handbags and shoes (mostly high-heeled). The designs are classic but given a modern twist through the use of different colours and embellishments.
After her success with handbags and footwear, Jessica Simpson expanded her collection to include womenswear including intimates, dresses, tops, jeans and a plus-sized line. She recently added a maternity line while she was pregnant with daughter Maxwell. Through all her styles, the emphasis is on accentuating a woman’s natural features through flattering silhouettes. Her JS Girls line mimics the aesthetics of her collection with bright colours and cute designs at an affordable price to be enjoyed by young fashionistas.
Jessica Simpson’s success as a designer has launched her into other ventures such as hosting the popular show, 'The Price of Beauty' – a documentary series that showcased how beauty is defined in various cultures worldwide – and most recently 'Fashion Star' – a reality series that features up-and-coming designers competing in challenges to win a prize and publicity.
Rachel Zoe
Famed celebrity stylist Rachel Zoe has made a name for herself, despite having no formal education in the field. Relying solely on her drive to succeed, she began styling celebrities such as Mischa Barton, The Backstreet Boys and Lindsay Lohan, gaining experience and exposure from each client.
In addition to her styling ventures, Rachel Zoe has collaborated on various fashion projects such as designing a line of luxury bags with Judith Leiber, as well as consulting on lines for The Gap and Piperlime.com. With each consultation and collaboration, the inevitable was fast approaching: Rachel Zoe will produce her own line.
Available from retailers such as ShopBop.com and Nordstrom, her lifestyle brand features women’s apparel, handbags and shoes, priced at a higher point that emphasizes their luxurious aspects. All the behind-the-scenes aspects of creating her line are featured on her show, 'The Rachel Zoe Project' on Bravo.
Nicole Richie
Previously recognized as an extreme party girl, Nicole Richie’s rise to fame was a little unsteady. After co-starring with then best friend Paris Hilton in 'The Simple Life,' Nicole began a transformation that now has her at a happy and successful point in her life.
Through her personal evolution, Nicole Richie’s style has transformed to something enviable and desired by fashionistas worldwide. After being the face for companies such as Bongo Jeans and Jimmy Choo’s advertising campaigns, it was only a natural progression to start her own line of some sort.
House of Harlow 1960 is Nicole’s jewelry line that boasts designs using feathers, fabrics and various metals to create unique looks for many different occasions. Launched in 2009, the House of Harlow brand compliments her other brand Winter Kate, which features ready-to-wear, eyewear, handbags and footwear. Both collections are available through high-end retailers Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Selfridges and ShopBop.
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