cult of personality

Kitson’s Fraser Ross: The Do’s and Don’ts for Celebrity Designers

Celebrities, let these ladies be an example to you.Photo: Getty Images

In a world where anyone halfway famous has his own beauty product and/or fashion line — Avril Lavigne, Heidi Montag, Pete Wentz; we could go on, but it’s too painful — it might seem that slapping your name on a perfume and a few miniskirts is a license to mint money. Apparently not. After reporting earlier this month that L.A.’s see-and-be-seen boutique Kitson had dropped both Lauren Conrad’s fashion line and Victoria Beckham’s dVb menswear, we realized that celebrity fashion lines are hard work, people. So we asked Kitson owner Fraser Ross for his do’s and don’ts. Take heed, C-listers.

1. Do remember that not everyone’s a size 2 like you.
2. Don’t think your clothing line will fly off the shelves just because you’re a celebrity.
3. Do make multiple personal appearances at retail stores that support your brand. After all, you’re shopping all day anyway.
4. Don’t believe everything your publicist says. They are paid to agree with you.
5. Do walk to the nearest coffee shop carrying a sketchbook after alerting the paparazzi. After all, it never hurts to look like you’re doing work.
6. Don’t take yourself too seriously. You’re not Coco Chanel.
7. Do wear your own designs more than once a year.
8. Don’t have Amy Winehouse wear them.

Kitson’s Fraser Ross: The Do’s and Don’ts for Celebrity Designers