JLo creating her own scent, Victoria Beckham designing jeans or P. Diddy launching a clothing line are certainly not new news to anyone.  Especially not to me, since I am both a slave to fashion and addicted to celebrity gossip.  However, I have yet to purchase any item which is celebrity created.  My reasoning was mostly that of general snobbery, where I strongly opposed celebrities designing fashion, accessories or scents and expecting people to buy them based purely on their fame.  Something about the whole thing smelt of entitlement to me, and I’ve pretty much boycotted all along. 

My boycotting ended a few days ago when I noticed the line of jewellery designed by Buffy the Vampire Slayer alum, Michelle Trachtenberg, was being released for Spring, in partnership with Coach.  I have to admit the collection is beautiful. It has a very Betsy Johnson-esque flare. Lots of great pieces – necklaces, bracelets, earrings and rings, all hand set in Swarovski crystals.

I think the key to a successful celebrity product line launching is relatability (certainly not rocket science!). Debbie Travis selling home design items – makes sense.  Martha Stewart hocking bedroom linens – well aligned.  Stylish young actress from Gossip Girl teaming up with luxury handbag company to make jewellery line – believable.

In a world where designers are celebrities and celebrities are designers, is there a line? Or has the line been long crossed; and are artistic boundaries of authenticity no longer? 

And, since I’m newly converted, what are some celebrity designers or celebrity inspired lines that you like or frequently buy?  FILL ME IN!



...for those of you who don't know Michelle's kick ass work on guilty pleasure TV show Gossip GIrl.