Jessica & Ashlee Collaborate on Clothing Line

She’s helped teens dress for prom, and now, she’ll be helping them dress for everyday life! Jessica Simpson is teaming up with little sis Ashlee Simpson to create a line of tween apparel as part of the Jessica Simpson Collection, according to WWD.

The new products, available in stores in fall, will be geared to the fashion-forward tween and will feature sportswear, denim and activewear styled after Simpson’s “girly, playful attitude,” the trade mag reports.

Knit tops, hoodies, pullovers, striped shrunken knits, graphic T-shirts, drawstring pants, footwear and outerwear will all be part of the collection, with both Jessica and Ashlee serving as co-creative directors for the line.
”Creating a tween apparel collection was a natural extension for the brand,” Jessica tells WWD.

“I’m excited to bring my sister, Ashlee, along as co-creative director of this division, because she brings a savvy rocker edge that defines today’s tweens.”
Ashlee, who has always been a big supporter of her big sis’s empire, agrees. “My goal as co-creative director will be to design clothes that will help inspire young girls to express their personalities and creativity through fashion.”

This marks the first time the sisters are collaborating on a fashion venture.

Credit: PEOPLE (Kim Peiffer)

Leighton Meester: Face Of Vera Wang Fragrance

If you thought Leighton Meester was making a lot of money before, you ain’t seen nothing yet.

Meester, best known for her effortlessly perfect portrayal of Blair Waldorf on Gossip Girl, is set to be the face of Vera Wang’s next fragrance. While details are skimpy on the fragrance itself (we don’t know what it smells like, looks like or what it will be called) we do know that its campaign will be shot this weekend somewhere in New York City. Keep your eyes peeled, Upper East Siders!

We also know that the campaign and the fragrance will be available for your sensory consumption next summer, and that Wang is as in love with Meester as we are. The designer told WWD that she’s certain Meester’s “beauty, talent and spirit will inspire all the young women that I hope will enjoy this passionate, new young fragrance.”

By which she means it’ll inspire the money right out of their purses! Meester’s endorsement means a lot to beauty brands. She’s already been hard at work as Herbal Essences‘ brand ambassador, and her face is featured in the company’s ads and on its Facebook page. The fragrance deal will probably feature similar placement of Meester’s graceful decolletage and gorgeous face, so we won’t have to watch Gossip Girl reruns to placate our annual summer Blair withdrawal.

Credit: Stylite

Leighton Meester: Face Of Vera Wang Fragrance

If you thought Leighton Meester was making a lot of money before, you ain’t seen nothing yet.

Meester, best known for her effortlessly perfect portrayal of Blair Waldorf on Gossip Girl, is set to be the face of Vera Wang’s next fragrance. While details are skimpy on the fragrance itself (we don’t know what it smells like, looks like or what it will be called) we do know that its campaign will be shot this weekend somewhere in New York City. Keep your eyes peeled, Upper East Siders!

We also know that the campaign and the fragrance will be available for your sensory consumption next summer, and that Wang is as in love with Meester as we are. The designer told WWD that she’s certain Meester’s “beauty, talent and spirit will inspire all the young women that I hope will enjoy this passionate, new young fragrance.”

By which she means it’ll inspire the money right out of their purses! Meester’s endorsement means a lot to beauty brands. She’s already been hard at work as Herbal Essences‘ brand ambassador, and her face is featured in the company’s ads and on its Facebook page. The fragrance deal will probably feature similar placement of Meester’s graceful decolletage and gorgeous face, so we won’t have to watch Gossip Girl reruns to placate our annual summer Blair withdrawal.

Credit: Stylite

Whitney Dishes on NYC Style, Her Line, & More

After the successful Bryant Park debut of her fashion label Whitney Eve in September, The City star Whitney Port is busy delivering the Spring collection to retailers, but still found time to chat with WWD about the challenges she faces as a young designer. “Obviously, it’s scary,” she said. “I think it’s really hard to break out right now since the fashion industry is struggling. I mean, people don’t want to spend their money on clothes right now–it’s a luxury … I think my biggest competition is myself.” The 24 year-old is quick to distinguish herself from her former MTV castmates: “I put myself in a different sort of realm as them,” referring to Hills star Heidi Montag, whose line, Heidiwood, closed just months after its debut, and Lauren Conrad, who designs for Kohl’s after her high-priced line was also unsuccessful. The ambitious New York transplant, who says her new hometown is “a lot more sophisticated and a lot more forward-thinking” than L.A., is even toying with venturing into accessories: “I would love to but I don’t know how talented I’d be at it,” she said. “But eventually, I think that would be a cool option.”

Credit: People StyleWatch

Whitney Admits She Has Doubts As A Designer

Don't let the Christian Sirianos of the world fool you. Becoming the next big designer doesn't happen overnight, and it certainly doesn't happen to every girl/guy with a sewing machine and a dream. Fortunately, things are looking promising for Whitney Port, who turned her preliminary sketches into a full-fledged collection (Whitney Eve) on The City and is gearing up to see her spring 2010 line hit stores at the end of January.

Yesterday, the stylish City star spoke with WWD.com about the dual pressures of making it in the industry -- and following in the footsteps of former costars (and fellow fashionistas) Heidi Pratt and Lauren Conrad. And while Whit waved off comparisons to her girlfriends (they're all designers, but that's about it!), she admitted to feeling the pressures of the economic downturn.

"Obviously, it's scary," Whitney confessed. "I think it's really hard to break out [as a designer] right now since the fashion industry is struggling. I mean, people don't want to spend their money on clothes right now -- it's a luxury."

So how does she cope with her fears? By forgetting about all the scary statistics -- and putting her energy towards creating clothes that reflect her personal style.

"You're always worried about people not understanding your point of view, not being able to get it. But I think my biggest competition is myself."

Credit: MTV Remote Control

Whitney's Blog: My Interview with WWD.com

Hi guys,

It is always an honor to have WWD comment on anything fashion, especially when it is a good review! Last week they stopped by my Editor Preview Day and just blogged about it. Take a look at our interview below and be sure to check out their website, www.wwd.com.
xoxo,
Whit