Celebrity Designers

I am overwhelmed by the talent that all these actors and musicians have. Not only are they award winning and rich, but they continue to flex their creative design muscles.

I’ve been preoccupied with fashion week coverage and was surprised to see my favorite designer, Dame Vivienne Westwood, had made a compilation album of music, which she has used in previous runway shows.

I’ve also read about Karl Lagerfeld’s $1200 teddy bear from Steiff. I get that he would want to immortalize himself as a tiny , furry mirror image – but, isn’t he to busy designing for top couture houses to make a toy?

The first time I remember a designer branching out, was Bob Mackie making Barbie clothes in 1990. Now this makes sense…the genius behind Cher outfits turning his skills to my hero..the blond bombshell Barbie. Recently Patricia Fields has added her jewelry design to Barbie. Again , this makes sense to me.

I am so over celebrity clothing lines for sale at the local mall. I understand that teen shoppers at Kohls want to wear Avril Lavigne designed duds . I guess I can get that boys and girls , shopping at Sears, want to dress in outfits designed by LL Cool J. It’s the same sensibility my mother has in appreciating Jacklyn Smith outfits from Kmart. Our my drive to pretend to like the Vera Wang collection at Kohls…I still don’t like the stuff, BTW.

But , to my dismay, the celebrity designed clothing line is a growing trend. Urgh. The world is waiting for bated breath for Tara Reid’s bikini line. And who can do without Katherine Heigl’s line of health care uniforms for Peaches Uniforms ?

Janet Jackson, ironically, has just launched a line of lingerie called “Pleasure Principle”. (Insert your own Superbowl ”wardrobe malfunction” comment here). JLO is creating a new line of exercise gear…this actually makes sense, since she just lost all that twin birth weight.

Jeans are a popular avenue for celebrity designers. Rachel Bilson is working on a line called “Edie Rose” denim for DKNY – sue out this month. And Heidi Klum is designing a line for Jordache (don’t forget her jewelry line for QVC ).

The fashion world is clamoring for the delightful designs of Posh Spice. These Victoria Beckham dresses are actually quite stylish – I’m hoping they come in more than a size 2.

Beyonce is expanding her Dereon line with jewelry for Spring 2009. And Celine Dion has created the “Blue Heat” line , available only in China, featuring classic diamond bands. America’s sweetheart Julia Roberts designed leather bracelets for Georgio Armani and the RED products. At least the $ goes to charity.

The hardest working (and cutest) man is show biz , Justin Timberlake, has had much success with his classy and trendy line William Rast, launched in 2006 with his BFF. He wore this new tux looking jacket to his runway show at Bryant Park.

We are all familiar with Steve & Barry’s celebrity clothing lines as well as Target offering us top notch fashions at a lower price level. We are familiar with supermodel Kate Moss designing for Topshop. We love you Todd Oldham for doing clothing, housewares, furniture, flower arrangements and hotels. And as much as I hate to admit it, Gwen Stefani’s L.A.M.B. is really great !

But you may not be aware of some of your favorite actor’s side jobs. These heartthrobs and true talents seem unfulfilled by Oscars and living the high life.

Matthew McConoughey launched  a line in 1996  called “just keep livin” featuring surf inspired gear.  He was just on Jay Leno wearing a j.k. livin t-shirt talking about his cute new son. John Malcovich’s 2005 endevor “Uncle Kimono” has t-shirts with his own sketches screenprinted on them.

Quietly, Martin Sheen created “Jackson Clay” which is a boys clothing line. Huh? (Maybe he had unstylish grandsons to outfit)

And my favorite “pimp” and very talented actor Terrence Howard helped to design a Jeep Cherokee in 2006.

Leo di Caprio has designed 2 watches for luxury brand Jaeger- Le Coulture for fall. The 2 designs cost either $3000 or $4000 and are super environmental – proceeds go to his environmental charity.

But my absolutely favorite celebrity designed fashion item is from Naomi Matsustima. She is half of an Osaka comedy duo called “Othello” and has designed the grooviest sanitary napkins. Now this is groundbreaking ! I have no idea how famous she is…but at least it’s a product I need and can afford.

I’ll leave you with one last mention …Brad Pitt is designing a 5 star Eco Hotel in Dubai. I trust that Brad will try to manage the idea of eco, luxury, and Dubai in the same giant complex. (You’d think he’d have his hands full with all those kids).

Georgio Armani was one of the first big designers to enter into Dubai design. Sounds like good work if you can get it.

Is it fair that these beautiful people are multi talented ? Who are your favorite celebrity designers ?