Stylists who have made the leap
Rachel Zoe follows a long line of celebrity stylists who have parlayed their tastemaker status (and access to celebrities) into clothing and accessories brands. Here are some of the other celebrity stylists and their brands:
Newbark: L.A.-based stylist sisters Maryam and Marjan Malakpour introduced their line of comfy slipper shoes in 2009, and recently added handbags, including the fab Lauren crossbody style for fall, already spotted on Heidi Klum. At Net-a-porter.com and Maxfield.
Westward by Emily Current and Meritt Elliott for Kate Spade: After the success of their Current/Elliott denim line, which singlehandedly brought boyfriend jeans back into style in 2009, the stylists are launching a collection of handbags for Kate Spade that’s anything but preppy. Available in August at KateSpade.com.
L’Wren Scott: Go-to red carpet stylist for some of Hollywood’s most glamorous stars (Nicole Kidman and Sarah Jessica Parker), and Mick Jagger’s main squeeze, Scott already had a built-in client roster when she launched her “fiercely feminine†runway collection in 2008. Since then, her body-sculpting designs have turned up regularly at premieres and award shows, and she’s branched into handbags. At Barneys and Maxfield.
ALC: Rock ‘n’ roll stylist Andrea Lieberman (she’s worked with Gwen Stefani and Jennifer Lopez, among many others), rolled out her clothing line in 2009. And with simple, chic pieces such as a nautical-striped maxi-dress and a lace hoodie, it’s become a mainstay in contemporary departments at stores such as Barneys and Nordstrom.
VPL: Stylist-designer Victoria Bartlett’s line VPL -- a.k.a. visible panty line -- debuted in 2003 with the tagline, “underwear, outerwear, anywhere.†The collection focuses on layering pieces but also includes handbags, shoes, jewelry and outerwear. At VPLNYC.com.
Simone Camille: Nicole Richie and Miley Cyrus are fans of stylist Simone Camille’s handcrafted boho handbags. With colorful embroidery and jingling coins, they are made from vintage tribal costumes, choli dresses and wall hangings from India, Nepal and other faraway places. At Ron Herman and Roseark.
Holmes & Yang: Actress Katie Holmes and stylist Jeanne Yang started their line of simple suits and separates in 2009, after Holmes couldn’t find the perfect white shirt. At Barneys.
Cardigan by Kate Young: Former Vogue assistant-turned-runway, editorial and red carpet stylist (for Natalie Portman, among others), Young designed a capsule collection of cropped merino sweatshirts and sweatpants for Lynne Hiriak’s Cardigan knitwear line. The two met while working for Derek Lam. (Young was styling and Hiriak was designing.) At Cardigan NewYork.com.
Logo for QVC: A veteran stylist, and currently editor at large for W magazine, Lori Goldstein launched her Logo line for QVC in 2009 with oversized cardigans, leggings and motorcycle jackets. At QVC.com.
Lisa Marie Fernandez: The New York- and London-based stylist introduced her self-named swimwear line this spring, with color-blocked scuba-inspired pieces named after her stylish friends, including Lauren Santo Domingo and Leigh Lezark. At Lisa MarieFernandez.com.
JewelMint: Actress Kate Bosworth and stylist Cher Coulter design all the jewelry sold through their members-only shopping site JewelMint.com. Each piece is $29.99, and recommendations are given to shoppers based on quizzes that determine their style profiles.
-- Booth Moore
