ENTERTAINMENT MEETS FASHION
By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photographer: George Whylie Videographer: Maxine NolanAs shoppers, we all relate to the designer labels that we have grown comfortable with and treasured over the years but now the non-traditional names are entering the design marketplace.
We now move into the realm of entertainment meets fashion. For instance, American Idol has continued to rate as one of the top reality competition shows on the FOX Network for eleven seasons. The judges come and go but the show still maintains a loyal audience. Some of the past winners and contenders have literally been transformed over the years into fashion and style icons, specifically Carrie Underwood and Jennifer Hudson.
Now, American Idol is launching a new exclusive clothing line in partnership with Kohl’s in April. It couldn’t be any more appropriate then to give this new line a label of AI but instead of what we would think it would stand for (American Idol), it stands for Authentic Icon. This announcement comes on the heels of Tommy Hilfiger joining the show as “image advisor”.
The contestants will wear the clothes during this season which will serve as a most creative marketing plan. The current American Idol season runs through June and the line will debut through that time frame as well. From the brief previews we have seen, it appears that rock star meets American Patriot!
Mischa Barton began acting at a very young age but really became a household name when she took on the role of Marissa Cooper in FOX Network’s television series, “The O.C.” from 2003-2006. This was a show that all teenagers took to as they watched a group of teens cope with life and luxury in Orange County, California. Barton did commercials and modeling but her acting career slowed down dramatically once “The O.C.” went off the air. She was plagued with legal troubles stemming from drugs and alcohol and she became the seemingly ‘bad girl’. She seemed to be on a constant search for the meaning of life.
Today we are happy to say that Mischa has found herself and found style which seems to have been her love for quite some time. She received a makeover from June Ambrose on VH-1’s “Styled by June”. Since 2008, Barton has had her own line of handbags (www.mischabartonhandbags.com) but now has taken her design career one step further.
“Mischa’s Place” is her newest concept with clothing, cosmetics, accessories and bath products being sold online (www.mischasplace.com) for $60 and upwards. Enter her website and you escape into a vintage haven from heaven. Dresses are feminine and frilly, jackets are adorable trimmed in metallic. Tight leggings are paired with shear shirts and blouses. There are also tight skirts, sequined and beaded dresses and the clothing is a true reflection of her versatile talent.
Her Bohemian style stands out in each of the pieces although each one has their own character appeal. Many of the outfits are already sold out. The plan is to also open a flagship store in London at Spitalfields Market coming up here in the spring. After all, Mischa was born in London so why not take her collections back to her roots.
Of course, we all know that Banana Republic has launched not only one exclusive “Mad Men” collection but now the second exclusive collection is in their stores. This is in collaboration with the very popular television series whose cast has gained quick popularity for the show and for their classic fashions. The store’s latest campaign for the “Mad Men” Collection features the iconic model, Shalom Harlow.
Could we possibly be looking for a new “Twilight – The Movie” Collection to come out next?
PHOTOS COURTESY OF Kohls, Getty Images, www.mischasplace.com, Banana Republic
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