By Michele Smith
Facebook – MicheleSmithMarketing
Many models have turned into designers and while this is not a new phenomenon, these women have turned to their own brands to give more exposure to their fans and offer items from purses to clothing lines. Some critiques argue that models should stick to modeling, while others feel that models offer a unique insight when starting their own fashion line. Below are some highlights that have been showcased in addition to their runway debuts.
Anja Rubik. Anja Rubik shared her ideas and collaborated with Giuseppe Zanotti to create a footwear and handbag line. She also modeled the entire collection in its entirety. The wildly popular collection was preceded by the model’s experience in creating an accessory collection for Quazi in 2011.
Coco Rocha. Coco Rocha announced the launch of her clothing line Co+Co by Coco Rocha in collaboration with company Paragon Project; after years of modeling. She was inspired by the creative designers she had worked with over the years, was motivated and felt it was time for her to branch out on her own.
Kate Moss. Kate Moss is yet another model turned designer icon. From fashion dresses seen on the runway as part of her Topshop collection, to her recent debut as an interior designer, Kate Moss has truly bridged the gap from supermodel to designer. She produced 14 collections in a three year period, and in 2010 released Kate Iconic, a capsule line of her most popular designs. The Kate Moss collection reflects mix of grunge and boho chi, but also include pieces in non-typical for model floral prints and more feminine styles.
Kendall Jenner. Kendall Jenner was recently named the A-list Instagram user with the most-liked photo and is now selling clothing with her sister Kylie. They have lucrative contracts with both Topshop and PacSun, both lines have been incredibly popular with buyers.
Lily Aldrige. Lily Aldridge is another supermodel who came from the Victoria’s Secret runway to use her design and talent to work with brand Velvet By Graham & Spencer. The Velvet By Graham & Spencer popular line ranges from accessories to lucrative fashion designs. The Lily Aldridge line consists of dresses, casual tops and a military style jacket that can easily be introduced into a basic summer wardrobe.
Gisele Bundchen. Gisele Bundchen, the world’s richest supermodel, created a whole empire with all the lingerie, footwear, clothing and beauty lines she launched. She also has an iPANEMA sandal line, an Intimates lingerie brand, and a beauty line under her belt. Last but not least, the model designed a clothing line with a Dutch retailer C&A in 2011 that included dresses, cropped blazers and many other fashionable items
Sophie Dahl. Sophie Dahl is another model who jumped from photo shoots to design. She is well known in the industry for creating a line with a cashmere brand called Brora, consisting of thirteen pieces such as a tea dress, cardigans, camisole and multiple others.
In addition her modelling career, Sophie Dahl is a fashion writer and has written for fashion magazines including US and UK Vogues, Harper’s Bazaar, The Sunday Times, The Observer and The Guardian.
