Celebrities are realizing the power of their brands and ability to package up their images into profitable products. The public is fascinated with celebrity style and stars are cashing in on their brand appeal as a label.
The four-year-old line, which showcases her signature style influences. Rastafarian culture, schoolgirl uniforms, Harajuku girls, rocker plaids, skintight denim and ultrahigh heels come together in a riotous collection that reflects her on- and offstage dress sense. While extremely hands-on with the design, Stefani smartly hired a great supporting team and, unlike many of her peers, openly shares the spotlight, posing for photo shoots together with staff and giving them their due in interviews. This down-to-earth approach resonates with fans of L.A.M.B.’s unpretentious looks at upscale prices (like $685 sequined minidresses). Revenue now tops $100 million, and the line is expanding to encompass fragrances, handbags, watches and shoes.
2. Jennifer Lopez – The biggest celebrity-owned luxury empire!
Encompassing a high-end collection, Sweetface; a juniors line, Justweet, and multiple fragrances. Together they are valued at more than $255 million. Lopez works in partnership with Tommy Hilfiger’s brother Andy, and targets more mainstream tastes than Stefani. Mixing ladylike polish with sleek streetwear, the collection is intended as an accessible distillation of the elements that inform Lopez’s diva persona. While Lopez doesn’t play a design role like Stefani, her esthetic imprint is still visible in the clothing, including pieces like dramatic, draped jersey dresses and sexy romper suits.
3. Tween Idols and Twin Moguls Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen – The most expensive offerings
When the child stars turned 21 last year, they gained full control of their $100 million-plus empire and launched two new business ventures: the Row, an edgy line that combines luxe basics like modal cardigans with fashion-forward statement pieces, such as $3,220 Tuscan-lamb-fur coats; and the more affordable contemporary-sportswear line Elizabeth and James. So far they have been very well received; last fall the Row went from two to 29 premium retailers around the world, and doubled the size of its collection. The Olsens’ foray into high fashion has been bolstered by their status as emerging fashion icons and as fixtures on the exclusive New York club scene.