Making it as an actor or actress seems a near impossible task. Even more impossible? Finding massive success in Hollywood and transitioning into the world of fashion.
Licensing your name and image to a fashion company is one thing, but designing clothing and running a fashion empire isn't something that comes easily, even for the stars -- sometimes, especially for the stars.
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These five celebrities had hugely successful careers in acting, singing or both before fading out of Hollywood and popping up on the runway.
Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen
AP
These child stars–turned–fashion–moguls have brilliantly transitioned into the fashion world. The Olsen twins founded their own company, Dualstar, when they were just six–years–old. The company lays claim to their products from films to fragrances and allows them to manage their many fashion brands under one megamultimillion-dollar company.
The famous sisters had a fashion collection at Walmart at the age of twelve which allowed them to dabble in a new market after reaching fame as child actors. "…We were really designing it," Mary–Kate explained to Vogue.
Now, the Olsens balance multiple fashion brands, including their luxury brand, The Row, their contemporary line, Elizabeth and James, and their affordable line Olsenboye through JCPenny, and of course, their t–shirt line StyleMint.
In 2012, Mary–Kate and Ashley were named Womenswear Designers of the Year by the Council of Fashion Designers of America and they are currently nominated for Accessories Designer of the Year award.
The famous sisters had a fashion collection at Walmart at the age of twelve which allowed them to dabble in a new market after reaching fame as child actors. "…We were really designing it," Mary–Kate explained to Vogue.
Now, the Olsens balance multiple fashion brands, including their luxury brand, The Row, their contemporary line, Elizabeth and James, and their affordable line Olsenboye through JCPenny, and of course, their t–shirt line StyleMint.
In 2012, Mary–Kate and Ashley were named Womenswear Designers of the Year by the Council of Fashion Designers of America and they are currently nominated for Accessories Designer of the Year award.
Jessica Simpson
AP
This singer–cum–actress–cum–designer has found huge success with her fashion line as she's targeted the "girl next door" market with partner Vince Camuto.
Best known for her line of shoes, Simpson has grown her brand into clothing, maternity apparel, activewear, teen, swimwear and even home goods, while always ensuring her products are affordable and fashion-forward.
Asked how she has managed to stay successful while so many celebrities fail in the world of fashion, Simpson answered, "We offer something for everyone — its not just limited to one certain fashionista. Women of all shapes, sizes and pocketbooks can enjoy our products. That is something that has always been very important to me."
Her strategy must be working, as her company has grown into a $1 billion brand.
Best known for her line of shoes, Simpson has grown her brand into clothing, maternity apparel, activewear, teen, swimwear and even home goods, while always ensuring her products are affordable and fashion-forward.
Asked how she has managed to stay successful while so many celebrities fail in the world of fashion, Simpson answered, "We offer something for everyone — its not just limited to one certain fashionista. Women of all shapes, sizes and pocketbooks can enjoy our products. That is something that has always been very important to me."
Her strategy must be working, as her company has grown into a $1 billion brand.
Victoria Beckham
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Victoria Beckham, or Posh Spice, may have been the trendiest of the Spice Girls, but is she also the most successful?
Beckham's eye for fashion turned her from a pop icon to a respected player in the fashion world. "It wasn't until after the Spice Girls that I could really knuckle down and I was in a position to do what I really wanted to do, which was fashion," Beckham said in an interview.
The designer and businesswoman eventually took her brand full steam ahead, starting with denim and growing into everything from eyewear to fragrance.
Beckham has seen huge success with her fashion empire and has grown her prowess significantly in the last year. Last year Beckham launched her own e–tail site, served as guest editor for the Christmas edition of Vogue Paris and now the mother of three is opening a New York office and her first brick–and–mortar store in London.
Beckham's eye for fashion turned her from a pop icon to a respected player in the fashion world. "It wasn't until after the Spice Girls that I could really knuckle down and I was in a position to do what I really wanted to do, which was fashion," Beckham said in an interview.
The designer and businesswoman eventually took her brand full steam ahead, starting with denim and growing into everything from eyewear to fragrance.
Beckham has seen huge success with her fashion empire and has grown her prowess significantly in the last year. Last year Beckham launched her own e–tail site, served as guest editor for the Christmas edition of Vogue Paris and now the mother of three is opening a New York office and her first brick–and–mortar store in London.
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Gwen Stefani
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Gwen Stefani rocks out as the lead singer of No Doubt, but the stage isn't her only territory. Stefani has found incredible success in the world of fashion.
The star began by designing many of her on–stage costumes and developing a distinct, outrageous style. As a fashion icon, Stefani was able to move into designing in 2004 with the launch of L.A.M.B., her fashion line. Named after Stefani's debut solo album "Love. Angel. Music. Baby.," the line is an amalgamation of Stefani's interests and inspirations.
Over the years, Stefani's design empire has expanded into a less expensive collection, Harajuku Lovers, and then into fragrances, shoes, dolls and even Apple product accessories.
L.A.M.B. reportedly brought in $90 million in 2010, and has continued to thrive.
The star began by designing many of her on–stage costumes and developing a distinct, outrageous style. As a fashion icon, Stefani was able to move into designing in 2004 with the launch of L.A.M.B., her fashion line. Named after Stefani's debut solo album "Love. Angel. Music. Baby.," the line is an amalgamation of Stefani's interests and inspirations.
Over the years, Stefani's design empire has expanded into a less expensive collection, Harajuku Lovers, and then into fragrances, shoes, dolls and even Apple product accessories.
L.A.M.B. reportedly brought in $90 million in 2010, and has continued to thrive.
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