Celebrity clothing lines: Chic or cheesy?

Last week, actress Emma Roberts made a comment to Women's Wear Daily about the possibility of her doing a clothing line. "I wouldn't do, like, Emma Roberts for Target," she said, sparking controversy among members of the fashion world. Snobbish or smart? The opinion can go both ways.
The reality is, celebrity clothing lines have a less-than-respectable place in the fashion industry. In this day and age, it seems as though all you need to do is be on a reality show for six months before you're launching your own fragrance, cosmetic line and clothing line (Heidi, Lauren or Whitney come to mind?).
The funny thing, however, is that just because these women may be on television does not automatically make them fashion experts. Though eager teenyboppers may lap up the lines, dressing themselves head to toe in zebra-print "Heidiwood" to emulate their favorite TV star, the true fashionistas have come to smirk at the lines rather than celebrate them. However, don't be too quick to judge. Not all celebrity lines are gimmicky tools for overexposure.
L.A.M.B. is probably the most widely known celebrity line venturing into the world of high fashion. Gwen Stefani launched the line in 2003, and it made its runway debut in 2004. The line boasts both apparel and accessories such as shoes, watches and bags. Unlike typical celebrity lines, which are basically a star's name on otherwise plain clothing, Gwen gave hers a signature edge, blending the influences of a variety of culture's fashions, including Japanese, Indian and Jamaican. This reduces the gimmicky feel and actually produces a pretty eye-popping, high fashion effect. The clothes are definitely not something you'd find at any random store. They are thought out, unique, edgy and truly fashionable. Gwen also increases her credibility as a designer with the fact that she comes from a family of seamstresses. Since the launch, Gwen has continued to show at New York Fashion Week, a scene reserved only for the elites of the fashion world.
Another celebrity line that's lesser known is Elizabeth and James. Most of you have probably seen this in Bloomingdales or Neiman Marcus, but what not everyone knows is that it's designed by  Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen. Before you cringe, check it out. It's actually very sophisticated, cool and completely fashionable. The line mostly carries basics: tees, blazers, pants, etc. The pieces are so high quality, though, that you won't mind the simplicity of the line. The twins do a good job of blending their unique style with mainstream America. Certainly, their personal style is not something the majority of us would opt for on a daily basis, but they clean up their boho-chic style to create pieces that are both comfortable and appealing to the average shopper. Basically, think their own style toned down a few notches. Most pieces are in the $300 range, which is appropriate for the high quality of the clothes.
The least-known celebrity line is probably Twenty8Twelve by Sienna Miller. Sienna and her sister Savannah created the line in 2006. Since its launch, it's delved into the world of high fashion and is now sold at high-end department stores all over. The line is the epitome of edgy London fashion, something America has seriously been lacking. You can find your basics, simple tees or the perfect pair of jeans, but there are also fun pieces like leather jackets, funky feather dresses and mini skirts. The collection is very androgynous and has the punk-rock London vibe. The sisters gain credibility in the fact that not only is Sienna a fashion icon, but Savannah attended design school in London and worked alongside the infamous Alexander McQueen.
The take-away? Yeah, most celebrity lines are media ploys to earn money, but not all are that way. Before you judge, check out the truly credible designers. You may be surprised at the garment attached to that label.