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Celebrity Fashion Lines:
The highs and lows of celebrity style…
Sean John by Sean “Puff Daddy/P. Diddy/Diddy” CombsThe Empire: In 1998, when he was simply known as Puff Daddy, Sean Combs became bored. Not satisfied with sleeping on mounds of money every night, hosting lavish parties that featured endangered species and scantily clad women, and determining when the sun rose and set, he decided to start his own clothing line, Sean John. The clothing line did, and still does, ridiculously well – it raked in over $100 million in 2000 and $400 million in 2004. Combs has also earned several accolades in the fashion industry by garnering a Designer of the Year Award in 2005, beating such heavyweights as Ralph Lauren and Michael Kors. Some have described the initial clothing line as “gangster chic,” but Combs has diversified his line to include everything from running shoes to business suits to customized “fashion” rims for luxury cars. In 2005, Combs announced his plans for developing a line of men’s suits that would incorporate a more “rock’n’roll” look à la Mick Jagger and David Bowie. The Men’s Collection, according to what appears to be a badly-in-need-of-updating company website, is “coming soon,” as is the women’s line, Sean by Sean Combs. Unforgiveable: The Fragrance for Men by Sean John has launched, and includes a lucrative print and web ad campaign that garnered controversy. On the official company website, there are more pictures of Combs traipsing about with half-naked women than pictures of the cologne itself. But this isn’t the first time the fashion mogul has come under fire – rumours abound that the Sean John Honduras-based factories violate Honduran labour laws, and PETA is also not pleased with Comb’s penchant for fur designs.
The Clothes: Simplicity is what works best for this clothing line; what you see on Combs is what you get in his designs. Best-sellers include Sean John’s line of men’s wear, which includes printed t-shirts, jeans, hats, jackets, golf tees, and some of the busiest button-up shirts I have ever seen in my life. Everything in this collection is predominantly casual, and could be mistaken for Eddie Bauer if it weren’t for the Sean John insignia sewn into most shirts. The snorkel jackets look fashionably warm, while the men’s belts are just a little too intricate for my taste. And perhaps it was the way they were laid out, but the jeans just look very shapeless and about two inches too short.
The Price Tag: Shoppers rejoice – Sean John won’t break the bank, although the new Men’s Collection and Sean by Sean Combs might. Unforgiveable sells for about $55.00 - $75.00 USD for most e-retailers, while the Sean John Black Elite line of running shoes is on sale at another site (prices range from $99.99 - $119.99 USD, down from its original price of $139.99). Shirts range from $30.00 USD for a “King” t-shirt to $79.00 USD for a striped button-up shirt. Jeans can go from $110.00 USD for the “roller painted” effect (it looks exactly like the jeans were “roller painted” over, which is not always a good thing), down to $52.00 USD for plain black sweatpants. The snorkel jackets I loved so much retail for about $170.99 - $279.99 USD, with other jackets selling for much less. Finally, Sean John’s signature “cowboy” belt and “crown” belt go for $32.00 USD and $38.00 USD, respectively.
The Bottom Line: Combs is not a bad designer, just like he’s not a bad rap artist or media mogul. Unfortunately, “not bad” doesn’t always equal “the best,” but with reasonable prices (which, sadly, might have more to do with the Honduras sweat shops than it does with Combs’ devotion to customer satisfaction), Sean John is not a bad investment. I fear that his new cologne isn’t up to snuff – it’s probably more hype than actual “inspiration by a life lived, savoured to the fullest” (description courtesy of website, not what I actually imagine this fragrance to smell like); on the other hand, I do expect that his new line of men’s suits will make a splash, his previous suits lines are any indication (and if it ever gets done). But if you’re hankering for something new and innovative, Sean John might not be for you.J. Lo. by Jennifer Lopez
The Empire: Multi-faced Jennifer Lopez added the title of “fashion designer” in 2001 when she formed the Sweetface Fashion Company. Co-founded with Andy Hilfiger (Tommy’s brother), Sweetface launched a sportswear line, and then streamlined to add eleven other product lines within the next couple of years. These include a ready-to-wear line, girls’ line (and you better believe that there is at least one microskirt included for all age ranges), swimwear, jewelry, outerwear, handbags, lingerie, and footwear. Lopez also applied her talents to perfume making, and has launched numerous fragrances, including Glow, Body Glow, Miami Glow, and Love At First Glow. Naming things or being original is not Lopez’s forte, but her fashion line has done very well nonetheless. In 2005, Sweetface introduced its first high end line, with rich fabrics like cashmere, lambskin, fox, mink, velvet and chiffon taking front stage. Understandably, PETA is a bit miffed by Lopez’s penchant for animal skin. A men’s clothing and cologne line is planned for 2006, and Lopez has also expressed interest in designing a line of clothes for dogs. No word yet on whether this line will include fur.
The Clothes: Anyone who plans to wear J. Lo. should ideally live in a warm environment, as tops here are barely nonexistent. The words of the day are camisoles, halter tops, and tanks – ruffled, lacy, and definitely sexy. On the other hand, tees go for cute, with a Tinkerbell-inspired tee thrown in for nonsensical good measure. Bottoms come in a wide array of crop pants, hip-hugger jeans, corduroy and velour pants, and pleated skirts. Jackets are casual, to say the least, with hoodies (including another Tinkerbell homage) and velour tops making up a big chunk of the collection. Most jackets are fitted and barely cover the midriff, so if you plan to wear a jacket in temperatures under ten degrees Celsius, this collection isn’t for you. Swimsuits consist of bikinis, with more-than-usual elaborate bikini tops for those moments where you just feel like jumping from the beach into the nightclubs. The Night on The Town ensemble even comes with a draped triangle top, great for those people who are too lazy to put on a shirt. Lingerie comes in the form of bras and panties, as well as loungewear such as cropped pajama pants, camisoles, shorts, and the omnipresent hoodie. Shoes alternate between slingbacks, platforms, and sandals. If you’re adept at walking in 3.5 to 4 inch heels, then you’ve come to the right place. For those needing some inspiration, the official website also offers collections (the Urban Nomad veers off into whimsical, the Simple Pleasures keep you grounded, and apparently Goddesses wear velour track suits quite often), and a smattering of “Jennifer’s Favorites,” which most closely resembles Lopez’s personal style.
The Price Tag: Tops range from $39.00 USD for a tank with bead trim, to $59.00 USD for a vee neck bow top, to $79.00 USD for a lacy tunic top. Tees are $29.00 - $39.00 USD (the higher price being for the screen-printed Tinkerbell cotton shirt, which I still don’t get). Both jeans and pants are about the same price, from $59.00 USD for cotton cropped pants to $89.00 USD for “Destructive” vintage jeans, which means that they are faded and use holes as a fashion accessory. Surprisingly, J. Lo.’s “signature” jeans are $49.00 to $69.00 USD. The very cute Poplin blazer is $79.00 USD, and the fitted Ripstock jacket, with drawstrings and patch pockets, is $89.00 USD. A bohemian-printed chiffon dress costs about $98.00 USD, as is a jumpsuit with stud detailing. Bikini tops and bottoms are sold separately – most triangle hipster, boy-cut and sting bottoms are $45.00 USD, and tops are $38.00 to $45.00 USD, including a beaded string and a beaded halter. Panties are $9.50 to $14.00 USD for lace-trimmed boy shorts. Shoes are $90.00 USD to $130.00 USD. The first price will get you a pair of sequined wedges or rhinestone buckles; the second price will score you some eyelet pumps, which hardly seem worth the price. There are tons of accessories to choose from: watches, gigantic purses, hats (including Lopez’s trademark floppy straw hat), and sunglasses. The watch line is one of the most extensive; for $95.00 USD, you can pick up a classic sleek silver bracelet with pink dial. For the more outlandish, there’s a gargantuan dark wood chunky bracelet watch that looks better sitting on a table than on your wrist. This retails for $150.00 USD. Just like the J. Lo. line cannot leave an item of clothing unfurred, so too do the watches not function without a smattering of Swarovski crystals.
The Bottom Line: J. Lo’s ready-to-wear line is very much inspired by the nightlife, occasionally fused with a splash of flashy and extravagant. Lush fabrics indulge, while fitted items bring out the girly in everyone. Prices are on par with most labels, and the pricier fare is justified with more elaborate trimming or extra fur or something. Clothes in this line are great for wearing when you go to be seen, but frankly, they don’t look all too comfortable. Also, some items try too hard – and end up stepping the line over flashy, and into the dreadful territory of gaudy.Rocawear by Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter, Damon Dash, and Kareem “Biggs” Burke
The Empire: Rocawear has been around for ages, or so it would seem since 1995 feels like it was another lifetime altogether. What began as an “urban aesthetic rooted in young men’s sportswear” soon ballooned into a growing empire, with annual retail sales quoted at over $700 million per year. The lines, which have been fervently named, now include children (Kids Headquarters), juniors (Signature), socks and sandals (why is this here? Gina Group), leather, suede and fur outwear (Gordon & Ferguson and Brandon Thomas), handbags and belts (M. London), loungewear and big & tall (Endurance), headwear (Nas Industries), jewelry (Lucas Design), and sunglasses (Color in Optics). Rocawear’s tagline, “We run the strip,” is a gutsy but valid declaration to their well-known mainstream appeal.
The Clothes: Rocawear has an extensive line that has evolved as much as its creators’ sense of style has changed – so you can take that for what it’s worth. For the men, short sleeve and muscle tees offer the most selection, although the muscle tees don’t seem aptly named, as they’re too baggy to actually showcase anyone’s muscles. Styles range from simple solid-coloured polo shirts to really atrocious and busy fashion polos and shirts. Even with my non-fashion sensibilities, I can’t help but be slightly appalled at all the unflattering stripes. When I stare at them, the neurons in my brain fire so rapidly that I am almost blinded. Other short-sleeved shirts seem rather plain or run-of-the-mill. Rocawear has a special spot in its heart for printed tees, which come in abundance and showcase anything from a giant Rocawear logo (how else will people know where you got it from?) to daily affirmations like, “Born to dictate, never follow orders...” I prefer the minimal shirt designs, because less sometimes does say more. The boxers, similarly, are pretty average. There is one in the bunch, of course, that is quite liberally emblazoned with designs. The jeans and pants are more promising, with a clear bias for clean lines and, thankfully, not too much tapering at the legs. Jackets come in outerwear, denim, non-denim (which are basically zip-ups and hoodies), and activewear (see non-denim, where they’re essentially cross-posted). The jacket line is passable, but then again, I do have a strange soft spot for men’s hoodies. To ruin my fun, Rocawear also offers a very appalling diamond stitch jacket that I can’t excuse, mainly because it looks like wallpaper. Women also have a large selection in Rocawear’s short-sleeve and muscle tees. If you’ve ever seen any music video from any given Roc-a-Fella artist, then you have the gist of the women’s line, with perhaps a quiet toning down on the skank aspect (don’t think slutty dancer gyrating in the background, but less-slutty woman dancing next to rapper). There are several cute tees and sexy tops available (the plum roc top, with its asymmetrical neckline, is fun and flirty), but some of the patterns get to be too much. All current shorts in this line are basically capris, and most jeans are simple with the exception of that dreaded one, which is splattered with paint (on the behind and down one pant leg) for a “boho-chic look.” Another pair of jeans is someone’s art project, with stitching, rhinestone studs (from a Bedazzler, maybe), and a back pocket with a “burn out rainbow” sewn on for good measure. The belts and sunglasses lines, though, are sleek and polished. And because Rocawear has an immaculate attention to details, it also sells belly rings.
The Price Tag: Men’s tees range in price from $28.00 to $32.00 USD, while polo shirts are slightly pricier at $52.00 to $62.00 USD. Jeans are $58.00 to $78.00 USD; zip jackets clock in around $78.00 to $88.00 USD for a new bulls eye full zip. All boxers are $19.00 USD, including the pair that I loathe (aptly called the “all over Japanese symbol” boxer). Belts are $22.50 USD for the simpler models, while the 99 oval buckle goes for about $35.00 USD. Interestingly, although there are categories for bags and sweatbands, none of these seem to actually exist. Women’s tops range from $19.00 USD (the jungle rock tee, on sale from $30.00) to $68.00 USD (for the crochet desert roc tunic). There is a total of one tube top available ($48.00 USD), and one sweater ($36.00 USD) that doesn’t quite look like what you might expect a sweater to look like. Women’s jeans are more expensive than men’s, with the average pair going for $78.00 USD. Skirts (two of them – a jean miniskirt and a pleated miniskirt) are $68.00 USD and $48.00 USD, respectively. There are a whopping three dresses being offered, and these go for $52.00 to $78.00 USD. Belts are $26.25 to $30.00 USD for the more elaborate “rhinestone flame” belt. Sunglasses – simply called “Rocawear sunglasses” – retail for $30.00 to $37.50 USD.
The Bottom Line: If you like Jay-Z’s casual urban style, then Rocawear is a good bet. The line is affordable and ready-to-wear. But just like any clothing store, there will be some items that won’t tickle your fancy, or might possibly make you blind for several minutes. Luckily, there’s something for everyone as shirts and bottoms are aplenty. But everything else in this line…not so much. The clincher for me is the women’s accessory section – everything here is nice and shiny.L.A.M.B. by Gwen Stefani
The Empire: L.A.M.B. started off as a collaboration between Gwen Stefani and her stylist, who initially made clothes for fun. Soon, Stefani was approached by numerous designers and companies, who all wanted a piece of her. In 2003, she designed a line of handbags with LeSportsac. In the spring of 2004, L.A.M.B., named after Stefani’s album and the initials of the four most favourite things in the world to her, had its first full line. Paris Hilton, Nicky Hilton, Carmen Electra, Lindsay Lohan, and Halle Berry are just a few celebrities that have been spotted wearing something from L.A.M.B.
The Clothes: L.A.M.B. borrows heavily from the Harajuku styles seen on the streets of Japan, and it’s no surprise since it’s Stefani’s other most favourite thing in the world. Specifically, L.A.M.B. incorporates the styles of the “Gothic Lolita” look, which applies lace, ribbons, Victorian-style blouses, and corsets in very inventive ways. Tops in the retail L.A.M.B. line are fun and flirty, and extraneous materials are fashioned into bows, ribbons, and frills. Sweaters aren’t your usual GAP turtlenecks; they run the gamut from camisoles to capelets to shrug turtlenecks. There are also several variations on the hooded sweater, which actually looks very warm, stylish, and comfortable. Bonus points for L.A.M.B. Pants consist mostly of trousers (fitted for a mod look, pleated for a laid-back style), but there are some cropped pants in the mix. The breechers, which seem like the love child of sailor pants and Capris, neither look comfortable nor fit to be worn outside of Los Angeles. The track line includes cashmere hoodies and pants – chic, updated styles to the J. Lo. track suits that were rampant several years ago. Blazers rely heavily on funky and atypical lapels to make L.A.M.B. unique, and the lone coat offered online is the very cute and sophisticated Royal Overcoat, which ruffles out at the bottom and buttons at the waist for a sexy hourglass shape. The 2006 spring line looks to be adding a more colourful and bohemian feel to the look of the clothes – but extra material in the shape of lapels, ruffles, and sashes still abound. L.A.M.B. also has a line of shoes, conveniently separated into “Love,” “Angel,” “Music,” and “Baby” because we get it already.
The Price Tag: A full outfit from L.A.M.B. will probably run you $600.00 USD in debt, which makes me glad that the Canadian dollar is so strong. Graphic tees can be purchased for $27.50 to $32.50 USD (they’re on sale on L.A.M.B.’s official online store, so hurry!). There are some graphic tees for men available, but they’re not nearly as nice as the women’s tees. Most tops retail for about $60.00 USD, but the fancier ruffled blouses and Victorian corsets run about $112.50 to $142.50 USD. Take this price range and also apply it to sweaters, although the hooded sweaters I grew so fond of in the last ten minutes are $212.50 USD. I might take that $212.50 and buy a blazer instead, but I’d need a little more to be able to afford the smocked blazer, which is $297.50 USD. Cropped pants are $112.50 USD, while trousers are $122.50 to $132.50 USD (for the extra material, I suppose). Breechers are $142.50 USD…why, oh why? Retro pencil skirts are $162.50 USD. And the Royal Overcoat will cost me some overtime hours and $337.50 USD.
The Bottom Line: I’m surprised that I actually like Stefani’s line as much as I do. I know Stefani is now a frontrunner in style and everyone wants to look like her and she’s so cool and also having a baby, but I just never saw the big deal everyone put on her personal wardrobe. The L.A.M.B. line works for me because there are a lot of updated classic looks, and I’m a big fan of classic styles. For the fashionista, there are also a lot of trendy items that are contemporary yet chic. The clothes aren’t cheap, but a few choice items will definitely pad your wardrobe. For the fashion-forward woman, Stefani’s Harajuku Lovers line offers Harajuku-inspired tank tops, tees, backpacks, and anything else you can comfortably affix a banana design to. ¤ C.Ho.