Indian-American model Padma Lakshmi may have shied away from the fashion spotlight to launch a career in cookbook writing and, subsequently, as a television host (she’s been a staple of Bravo’s immensely popular Top Chef since season 2). But with a new jewelry line, which launches this May at Bergdorf Goodman, the NYC-based former cover girl is getting back into the fashion game. Lakshmi told WWD that the line is inspired by “things like seeds and pods, like cardamom, lentils, and cloves.” Simply called Padma, the line will include more than 50 styles and range in price from $375-$6,600.
Shayna Fontana
Naomi Campbell dove headfirst into the clothing-design game this past November, collaborating with high-end Sao Paulo retailer Daslu on a line. The department store enlisted the infamous supermodel’s design expertise for her own line, which they’ve given the moniker Naomi 284. For the time being, Campbell’s wares, which are based on old clothes from her closet, are only available in Brazil. But, considering Daslu is currently under criminal investigation for potential fraudulent importing and tax procedures, Campbell might not be designing for long.
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Cindy Crawford is channeling Martha Stewart with her latest pursuit. The model who famously lent her trademark mole to Pepsi has launched a home-goods line, Cindy Crawford Style Collection. The collection of bedding, tableware and furniture, all bearing Crawford’s stamp of approval, will retail exclusively at JC Penney. The line won’t debut until July, when it launches in conjunction with the retailer’s new Manhattan store. It’s not the first time Crawford has whet her designing appetite : She previously launched Cindy Crawford Home, which is sold at Rooms to Go, among other chains.
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Kate Moss for Topshop could be dubbed the most successful model-turned-designer endeavor in history. Eight years running, the collaboration between Britain’s coolest retailer and perhaps its most photographed resident has consistently sold out. Moss has been credited as being Topshop’s kryptonite against the recession. The partnership has been so addictive for consumers that the Telegraph’s Hillary Alexander appropriately dubbed it “ fashion’s ‘Special K’ factor.”
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Much like Padma Lakshmi, German supermodel Heidi Klum’s resume boasts both the title of TV show host (she’s long been the face of Project Runway alongside Tim Gunn), as well as jewelry designer. For the past few years, Klum has been designing a namesake jewelry collection under the umbrella of Mouawad, a century-old jewelry operation out of the Middle East. Her most recent collection, which includes clovers shaped in rings, pendants, and bracelets among other designs, was inspired by a recent visit to Italy.
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Russian supermodel Natalia Vodianova has been on the fashion scene for some time, but it wasn’t until this past February that the stunner announced her plans to design for the first time. Following in Elle Macpherson’s footsteps, Vodianova will begin with lingerie and swimwear collections for French brand Etam. Her premiere collection, which includes nightgowns, bodysuits, two-piece sets, and a corset, hit stores in April. Prices range from $20 to $80.
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Texan Erin Wasson isn’t your typical supermodel. Having translated her inimitable bohemian-meets-skater style into a successful side career as a stylist (most recently she put together looks for a ‘90s-inspired Elle editorial spread in the magazine’s April issue), the supermodel has likewise branched out into fashion design. Having teamed with RVCA, a California surf and skate company, for a three-year design stint, Wasson’s collection, Erin Wasson x RVCA, is currently up for grabs at boutiques like Opening Ceremony and online at La Garconne. Wasson’s no stranger to the inner workings of the fashion industry: She played muse to designer Alexander Wang for multiple seasons and has her own jewelry line, Low Luv, which she launched in 2008.
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Definitely taking the cake as the most unusually named supermodel clothing line is Dane May Anderson’s brand, Chicks With Guns. Anderson launched the company back in 2006 with two friends from Copenhagen—designer Gabriel Nigro and graphic artist Jesper Skade. The mannequin, best known for her work for Victoria Secret's and Sports Illustrated’s Swimsuit Issue, also acts as model for the line, which has since expanded from just denim to include a full collection of women’s wear (think wet-look leggings, leather jackets and loose-fitting jersey tees and dresses).
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Since her modeling heyday in the 1980s, Australian beauty Elle Macpherson has pursued a range of side projects, among them philanthropy and acting. But Macpherson’s venture into the realm of design seems particularly fitting, specifically the five-time Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue cover girl’s lingerie line, Elle Macpherson Intimates. Sold internationally, the collection was launched back in 1990. Which means, like Moss for Topshop, this model endeavor packs definite staying power.
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Like Kate Moss, Iranian-English supermodel (and wife of Duran Duran’s Simon Le Bon) Yasmin Le Bon is teaming up with a high street retailer for her first design gig. Titled YLB, the line is slated to hit Wallis’ London stores come September. And, as with Naomi Campbell’s clothing collection, the 25 or 30 looks in question are inspired by Le Bon’s own wardrobe. Le Bon will also be creating a jewelry line as well.
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Loulou de la Falaise played muse to Yves Saint Laurent for a whopping three decades, which is an eternity in fashion years. The trendsetting mannequin was raised in the world of high fashion, which makes her recent transition into retail by way of the Home Shopping Network all the more interesting. In addition to running Maison de Loulou, a boutique on Paris’ Left Bank, de la Falaise recently debuted a discount fashion collection. With clothing, shoes, and accessories in the $30-$150 range, de la Falaise’s namesake HSN collection is surprisingly in touch with the times. A number of items from the collection are likewise sold in recession-friendly multiple payment plans.
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