Yesterday marked the start of Fashion Week where designers show off their spring 2010 wares. I get my clothes from three sources: Target, thrift shops, and friends. It's simple and it's cheap. If I made rock star cash, I'd step up my game. In fact, if I were a rock star, I'd design my own clothes. I'd do it because that's the mark of a true rock star. Just ask Miley Cyrus. Nothing says rock like Miley and her Walmart clothing line.
In fact, you're actually not a rock star unless you're designing clothes. You're probably not making any money either. We all know the record biz don't pay. All musicians have day jobs - no matter how big they are.
As the celebrity fashionistas flock to New York for Fashion Week, here some recent musicians-turned-clothing designers who have made a killing (or at least gotten a lot of press). Look for them at a catwalk near you.
Justin Timberlake
Timberlake founded William Rast along with his childhood friend Trace Ayala in 2005. The name came from Timberlake's grandfather's first name and Ayala's grandfather's last name. No word if the old folks wear the signature William Rast jeans. Timberlake and Ayala turned "William Rast" into a fictitious character and star of a short film. Timberlake plays the starring role, of course. Timberlake also took to the catwalk at Fashion Week 2008 to sell his spring 2009 line. Calvin Klein models need not be worried.
Liam Gallagher
Noel's baby brother started Pretty Green to bring his mod sensibilities to the fashion world. Or to put it in his words, "I love clothes‚ if people like it cool. If they don't, they don't." I believe that's Pretty Green's official marketing line. Now that Oasis is no more, Liam better hope more people like than don't. He may need the extra cash.
Sean Combs
Puffy is the Grand Diddy of musician fashion designers. He started his Sean John line in 1998 and quickly gained the respect of fashion insiders. In 2004, Sean John won "Menswear Designer of the Year" from the Council of Fashion Designers of America, standing alongside other fashion heavyweights like Donna Karan and Coach. Now, if only he'd make a good album.
Gwen Stefani
In 2004, Gwen Stefani went solo in a big way. She took a leave of absence from No Doubt to release her first album and clothing line, both called "Love. Angel. Music. Baby." (L.A.M.B.). The album sold over 4 million copies and the clothing line (inspired by Guatemalan, Japanese, Indian and Jamaican cultures) is sold in over 275 clothing stores. Stefani has since started a second line, Harajuku Lovers, inspired by (some say stereotypical) Japanese female references.
Lily Allen
The Grammy nominee collaborated with British clothing retailer New Look to launched her "Lily Loves" line of clothing in 2007. She's now following it up with a jewelry collection. Jewelry is where the money is. Plus, no one has "jewelry malfunctions" so no excuses for her flashing her third nipple again.