Celebrity Fashion Lines

Make no mistake, celebrity fashion lines are the bane of my life.

This may seem melodramatic, but I cannot help but sigh when yet another A-lister (or, more often than not, Z-lister) releases a collection of overpriced garments.

Everyone's at it, or so it would seem.

Previously the world has been 'treated' to Elle Macpherson's lingerie, Victoria Beckham's dVb clothes and Kate Moss' designs for Topshop.

The male celebrities are just as keen to milk this cash cow - Pharrell's producing hoodies and P. Diddy has a hugely profitable clothing range.

Despite mainstream success, I see celebrity fashion lines as the new celebrity album: a desperate attempt to stay in the limelight and revitalise a flagging career.

And those that do launch a career in fashion at the height of their success tend to have little or no input into the clothes that are sold, so they are arguably just trying to line their pockets while they can.

Many celebrities attempt to retain their dignity by marketing high end products.

Most of the dVb sunglasses range retail at £165, which is more then you would expect to pay for offerings by Emporio Armani and D&G.

Surely there is no comparison between a celebrity's self indulgent designs and the fashion know-how of a real designer?

Yet fans get taken in time and time again.

As a nation we are supposedly becoming increasingly able to decode adverts, so why is this not the case with celebrity associations?

This is conceivably due to the media putting celebrities on ever rising pedestals.

Surely there is no comparison between a celebrity's self indulgent designs and the fashion know-how of a real designer?

Janine Rasiah

But it is worth noting that there is no minimum amount of time or effort that a celebrity is obliged to invest in their product.

Indeed Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen were just 18 years old (and in the process of filming several blockbusters) when their clothing was unleashed, making it improbable that they took a hands on approach.

I should make it clear that my vehemence is not directed at celebrities who collaborate for a worthy cause.

Alexa Chung had her jewellery designed for Made Boutique (a fair-trade organisation) snapped up in the blink of eye.

However, with all profits going to the charity itself, this is a partnership that I wholeheartedly applaud.

Perhaps those considering branching out into fashion should take note of Madonna's lukewarm success with her collection for H&M.

Maybe celebrities should learn to stick with what they're talented at.