I was flicking through The Row (one of the Olsen twins’ fashion lines – they also have Elizabeth & James) look book and I liked what I saw. There was a clear style throughout the pictures and the concept was interesting but not overly ambitious. I could actually see where they were coming from and the look they were trying to create.
When I look at Heidi Montag’s collection I don’t see any creativity, there is no theme or clear source of inspiration. And this is why I hate celebrity clothing lines. I don’t like the fact that talented people go through years of art school, making no money and getting into debt to get degrees in fashion design when Beyonce can start her own line of clothes overnight and make a lot of money from it.
But maybe I am being too judgemental about it; why shouldn’t they cash in on fashion if they want to? There is clearly a market for celebrity clothing.
Designer Luella Bartley was a British Vogue editor before switching to design which I know isn’t the same as being a reality TV star and switching to design but maybe it shows you don’t necessarily have to be all about design to be a designer.
Above images from The Row lookbook.
I do like The Row, and there are some pieces from Sienna Miller’s line twenty8twelve that I like, Chloe Sevigny for Opening Ceremony doesn’t bother me, and William Rast jeans (Justin Timbelake’s label) do have a good fit. So maybe there is a place for celebrity clothing. Or maybe it just depends on the celebrity.
Heidi Montag collection above.
Lauren Conrad collection above.
(images from justjared, mary-kateandashleyimages.com)
34 comments:
It definitely depends on who's "designing" and with this, who it is aimed at. I'm doubting that LC or Heidi Montag are really aiming at people with a real interest in fashion, but at girls who're fans of the persons themselves. Their clothes are merely merchandising taken to another step. Furthermore, we're talking about teens in their puberty, probably, and I imagine this is exactly what they would wear. And may I say I feel as if aforementioned "stars" still are more to be categorized as B?
Sienna Miller or the Olsen Twins or Sevigny have a whole other group of "fans", who are watching and liking them for their fashion choices, it would therefore be very stupid of them to dish us something as pathetic and dull as LC or Montag do. Furthermore, they're not selling their clothes under their own names, but founded each a real label under which their designs go. Which implies their demand of industrial acknowledgement. Not only that their collections are part of some kind of merchandise. Which it probably still somehow is.
Others, like Timberlake, I meanly allege, maybe have a bit of an extra income in mind, however still keeping high a certain level of quality and design.
I wouldn't necessarily blacklist a label because it was done by a celebrity, i agree that twenty8twelve and the row are quite elegant but I
a) hate engorged prices because a celbrity 'designed' ie. kate moss topshop
b) hate it when adverts use the celebrity in a look i designed these so you need them to adore me kind of way rather than look nice clothes, just another publicity and money making stunt, bleh.
you published a post where you know that everybody will agree with you! so, what's the point?
heidi has a clothing line?!!
WHEN did this happen?
go away, you silly girl.
at least we know she didn't design it herself.
It's a tricky one. I agree with your point about designers living off baked beans and living in scrathy studio flats while paying their way through art school (actually kind of appealing, non?) and that beyonce etc waltzing in with a quickly designed line is like a slap in the face.
BUTTT, then when about people who have worked hard to get where they are, just in a different way. The Olsens have worked extremely hard, but never directly in the fashion world. But is this the same thing?
I think it's okay as long as you're a worthy person who has actually designed the clothes and who has worked hard to get where they are.
so chloe, mk and ash, of course I approve!
and erin wasson, those chains are pretty cute too, so you cna be included me thinks.
have missed our comments and emails recently, have been so busy busy, but do let me know if you hear back from LCF..I've been thinking about it! lots of love xxx
Just one thing about Heide Montag's collection: ew.
You are so right, what's the point of going to Fashion school if then Beyonce comes and starts her own line just because "she's beyoncé". Big, no.
Lauren's collection wasn't as boring as I expected it to be, but still didn't convince me.
♥
PS. I SO wanted to tag you, but i believe Bronwyn (fashionability) had already tagged you...
i agree of course about the whole celebrities-designing-clothes thing while people who actually have TALENT don't even get the chance
though
if you are a celebrity and celebrated for your distinctive style then why not create a line?
i love the row. i dont mind lauren conrad's either. however, heidis is just gross. she has no class at all.
huge issues with Heidi and Lauren's line...so uninspiring. The Olsen's lines: thats a whole other story :)
I've seen celebrity lines I like. I assume they work with designers, rather than actually designing the clothes themselves. Perhaps I'm being unfair, but I see it as a branding gig rather than a designing one.
I think when people actually have style (i.e. they dont dress like every single person - the olsen twins) they have the rights to make a fashion line
yuck - but when people plaster their name on the same overproduced tees and dresses (coughheidiandlaurencough) then i seriously get so annoyed!
lauren conrad's line is dull and pontless,
i wish i could afford elizabeth and james, or the chloe sevigny line, though.
or that at lest knew where to buy it.
i love love love the row, and chloë sevigny for opening ceremony was nice, but i absolutely detest heidi's line.
it looks cheap, and more than a little skanky.
lauren's is okay, but nothing specail and i don't like it.
x.
jessica
Heidi Montag and Lauren Conrad's collections are pointless, with no individuality, and no real inspiration. I've seen all of their looks before. As for Chloe Sevigny, I think her stuff looks like 1950's slutty housewife with no fashion sense. Floral pantsuits? Ew...
Since they no longer make dorky twins movies (or do they...?) they have to turn to something that makes them look cool again. And that is an overpriced clothing line. What ever happened to their stuff for Walmart?
it depends. really. i agree about the olsens lines. they're at least consistent -they seem to luv what they do and put hard work on it. chloe did an amazing job as well.
but give me a break miss lauren! my father could also think of these designs! please.
it seems like some of them (celebs) are just following the 'designer thing' trend. and that's all.
great post :D
This is a great point to bring up, but I'm torn. I think it depends on the celebrity, some have what it takes while others think it's enough just to turn their big name into a pricey label. And for the record, I don't see anything I like about Heidi's collection. I liked most of Lauren Conrad's, but it is a little overpriced seeing as she is barely out of FIDM (or is she still taking classes?)
Haven't a clue who Heidi Montag is... and after seeing the clothes I don't think I want to...
Again, I think it depends on the celebrity and it is very very obvious if they do have a genuine creative POV to say...like The Row or Chloe Sevigny's collection...
I think that if the celebrity has a good sense of personal style then it's great if they decide to start their own line, like the the Olsens. But Beyonce and Heidi Montag, who in my opinion don't have a great sense of style, probably shouldn't be starting clothing lines. This is a topic I could rant about for a long time, but I won't.
Heidi's line looks extremely cheap. Now I appreciate Lauren's alot more.
I think it depends on the celebrity... Mango with Penelope & Monica Cruz had some really nice things and I liked Kate Moss for Topshop. Higher-priced lines by celebrities, like Sienna Millers are a bit pointless I think... the type of people who can buy in that price range won't take it seriously.
cool blog. i love your polls too! glad i came across it! (:
Errr.. seriously who is Lauren Conrad and Heidi Montag? I'm in Sydney with no tv (bless!) and I don't know these two people (reality tv shows are the reason why I decided not to have a tv) and their *designs* are just awful, bland, boring, awful!
I'm not really into Lauren's collection, but Heidi's clothing line is just...ugly. Not that I expected something better from her. My question is 'Why did she feel the need to do a clothing line?'.
But I agree with you that it depends on the celebrity if it's good or not. Some people just have the thoughts and ideas that they need to do a clothing line or whatever line it is.
My favourite is the Miller sister's Twenty8Twelve (since Savannah is a designer, it has the ability to be better than the average 'celeb clothing line'). I also like both the Olsen sisters lines, they have a huge interest in fashion and such a great style. I also liked Kate Moss' collections for Topshop, she probably also had a whole crew behind her to do all the hard work.
No you're not being judgmental at all - I 100% agree. It's not fair for a student or aspiring designer with genuine talent and genuine reasons for getting into the design business, to work for years and years not getting anywhere and then a celebrity comes along and places they're name on a label that they 'designed' and make money overnight.
Sure, this isn't always the case, but when this IS the case is when I get mad at the industry. Thankfully there are writers (and bloggers of course) out there doing their best to give aspiring designers the credit and coverage they deserve. One day the tables will turn on those phonies don't worry, lol.
Well, thats' my rant of the day. Lol.
Great post, I had no idea Heidi Montage was serious about designing a fashion line.
Romany
xx
I like the simple pared down feel of the Row. The clothes are pretty nice. I know what you mean when you say it's frustrating, but I think if a celeb has a genuine interest in fashion then it's usually a good line to see, but in a lot of cases it's just celeb endorsement, slapping their name on a label, which is annoying.
Well, i love the row and Elizabeth & James they both have a great style and i truly loved this new fall their clothes, i didn't see the hole LC line but it looks like its nice, but Heidi's oh god i hate her and her line, its just because i hate her...
i will use the row pictures for the mklovee.blogspot.com blog i will put i take them from you :) loving your blog as always coco !
I knew about Lauren's collection but Heidi Montag has one too...? that is just absurd...at least Lauren played around with fashion school, where does Heidi come off? gosh she just tries too hard..it's just so sad when real designers never get a chance to shine while the likes of Heidi Montag do, its tragic!
i completely agree that the fact celebs get to start their own line while people who actually pursue fashion design and go thru much schooling can't is completely unfair. Whos to say there arent some celeb collections that have some good pieces, but i find it upsetting. Especially since now more and more celebs have made the trend of creating their own line.
celebrity lines are always overprices
heidi montag's designs makes me want to shut my eyes. they do not even flatter herself
I loathe Heidi Montag, actually I loathe everything about the Hills, although we don't have the Hills here, or maybe because of that.
Heidi's collection looks like it's not even a collection.
"Wow let's design yet another little black cocktail dress, a cheap looking one at that. And let's throw a silver handbag in to the mix, because that is like so IN right now. This collection is almost as good as my music video. Yes, now I feel like I've achieved something in my life."
great post. i must say. laurens collection looks better than heidis-- but then .. none can even compare to olsens design- i think they have an impeccable sense of style.
bad is bad, and good is good.
there are bad designers out there. and bad actors. and bad actors working as bad designers.
i'm so deeply disturbed by the delusions of talent that these girls harbor...heidi, l.c., GET A JOB!
luella is FUCKING AMAZING
but the rest (eg. lauren conrad...) are full of shit
heidi's collection looks like it should only be worn by aging porn stars in the valley - digusting.
and lauren's is just boring.
too bad the row and others are so expensive!
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