February 26, 2010
Vintage Designer | Lily Allen Sells Her Soul to Vintage
The always adorable Lily Allen is getting ready to launch her new, reworked vintage clothing line. Her line is called Lucy in Disguise. A cute play on the Beatles song I presume.
Designer Wayne Hemingway a summer festival celebrating British music and fashion. Sandie Shaw, Heaven 17, Aswad, Buzzcocks and The Damned will be some of the acts performing at Vintage at Goodwood in West Sussex in August.
Earlier this year, Allen had announced she would be taking a break from music. Her new endeavors include this collection of reworked vintage clothing. She is partnering with her sister and some friends.
I know people often criticize celebrities who think they can launch a clothing line, act, sing, and basically anything under the sun. But in the case of musicians, I think they actually have a firmer connection to fashion than actors or socialcelebutantes like Paris and Whitney.
Gwen Stefani has been very successful with her L.A.M.B. line. I own a few pieces and the quality is pretty good. But the reality is that I buy L.A.M.B. because Gwen Stefani's aesthetic and style is similar to mine. A musician uses fashion pretty much the same we do - as an extension of their influences and to express themselves. While onstage costumes are exaggerated for presence, it's easy to translate that look to the real world. With the exception of Lady Gaga, although her sunglasses are flying off the shelves.
Many musician/fashion icons come to mind - Debbie Harry, Cindy Lauper, Madonna. Can you tell I am an 80s baby? Granted none of these women designed a line, but they sure have gone down in fashion history as being highly influential in their style.
Reworking vintage is not new, and am quite surprised Allen has decided at this stage in her career that she wants to redesign vintage, of all things. She obviously really loves vintage looks. I hope Lily Allen is educated enough in fashion history not to go and redesign important pieces. I wait on pins and needles to see her stuff.
I'm curious what do you think - do musicians have what it takes to launch a fashion line?
photo L.A.M.B. Spring 2010/Coutorture.com
Posted by Sandra at February 26, 2010 12:00 AM
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Comments (8)
I am not a huge fan of any celebs doing a clothing line, however I don't automatically despise it either.
There are some celebs who really embrace fashion and do their homework before launching a line - those that take it seriously and really put their hearts into it, seem to do quite well. Gwen Stefani, Mary Kate & Ashley Olsen and Nicole Richie's jewelry line are all lines that I have quite liked.
I think where they get it wrong and lose my interest and support is when they are really just selling their name to be used and the collection reflects nothing to do with them or nothing really exciting or fashion forward altogether.
so musician, actor, model, it's all the same to me, like any other designer, they need to win me over with their collection and their connection to said collection.
Posted on March 3, 2010 08:54
one more thing...
I love the idea of reworking vintage, so that part of Lily Allen collection is exciting!
Posted on March 3, 2010 08:55
I would definitely want to have a look at Lily's vintage line - if it is as quirky and cute as her, I wouldn't object.
Normally I am not a big fan of celebrities starting their own fashion labels but I have to admit, if I like their style, there is a big chance I would check out their designs. I guess, that is a main reason why it works!
Posted on March 5, 2010 07:05
Hi Kristen! Thanks for commenting. You know I love your blog!
I wasn't really impressed with Richie's clothing line, but I did like her accessories. I think that musician's have a leg up in creative fashion design because they are part of the costuming process. Yes, they too have stylists, but I imagine they have a bit more influence on what they wear. Life is also a stage right?
Posted on March 5, 2010 10:26
Hi Alice -
I like Lily Allen's style too. Like I said, I think musician's have an innate sense of style so the transition to designer is relatively easy.
Posted on March 5, 2010 10:28
It sounds a little sketchy but I guess the true test will be when it really debuts!
Posted on March 8, 2010 20:14
Lily is a customer of ours - I'm wondering now if she has bought things to re-work them!
Posted on April 4, 2010 12:47
I hope not! I hope she bought to wear or inspiration. You always sell top notch stuff. Would hate to think of them being torn apart!!!
Posted on April 4, 2010 13:14