It’s no secret that our 21st century society is obsessed with celebrity. There are countless magazines, websites and even TV channels dedicated to spying on their lives, and the advent of the blog has propelled celeb-spotting to a whole new level. But it’s not just about watching them, its often about being them. And that’s where celebrity product lines, endorsements and advertising comes in.
As a nation we spend millions every year buying celeb-endorsed paraphernalia. Whether its clothing, mobile phones or even cars (Celine Dion…Chrysler…eh!?), most of us are influenced by the media enough that we will – consciously or not – at some point buy something linked to a celebrity in some way. There’s nothing wrong with that – I have some oversized shades that I’m well aware would look even more ridiculous had they not been ‘approved’ first by Jackie O, and now by pretty much every A-lister under the sun (see what I did there!) – but sometimes, you just have to question things. Katie Price (aka Jordan) launching equestrian-wear? Fern Britton advertising Ryvita? Liam Gallagher designing a clothing line…?
That’s right, the enterprising Mr Gallagher – famed for his style (not) has this week revealed that he will be ‘designing’ an “up-front straight talking, classic clothing range…”. Mmmkay. Apparently Pretty Green “will include classic designs across footwear, denim, knitwear, jackets, trench coats, parkas, t-shirts, hats, scarves and accessories; all subject to Liam's final approval.” So, er, he’s not actually going to be designing them then?!
So many things about this venture leave me speechless, and wondering who will buy the products? (I can’t imagine your average Oasis fan is that bothered about how they look) How will it be distinguishable from the rest of the, er, jeans and parkas out there? And when, in the name of God, did Liam Gallagher become a style icon!?
Honestly. It’s rare that I genuinely do not see the link between celebrities and what they put their names to (in a marketing sense) but this time I am utterly stumped. I thought the Gallagher’s were famous for being ‘well ‘ard’, for being from Manchester and for having big eyebrows, not for the way they wear their Manolos! Victoria Beckham he is not, and Victoria Beckham I just don’t want him to be!
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