Fashion Wisdom



Illustration by Alexsandro Palombo
Illustration by Alexsandro Palombo

Celebrity branding is a marketing strategy as old as Julius Caesar’s stamped coins. Masses recognizing superstars catapulted sales of their preferred brands. This interweaving between fashion houses and celebrities is something we grew up with but is it still working? No, not like it used to. Today sophisticated, role modeled celebrities are respected and sought after over the superficial, self-centered ones.

Our world believes in limited resources. Opulence and extravagance are no longer a sign of prestige but seen as insensitive and arrogant. Are we praising Victoria Beckham’s $800,000 Italian shopping spree?  What counts today is the intrinsic value, social and environmental sustainability of our fashion choices. We are becoming responsible and selective. I call this fashion wisdom.

This decade is shifting our focus towards an ethical consumption. Gone is the ‘bling-bling’ era that held its crown for the past 18 years. It has been replaced with a discreet fashion. The logo mania of these past trends is now seen as an eye sore. Gucci, Louis Vuitton, YSL are a few who understand this and carefully designed subdued pieces in their past few collections. Superficial and ostentatious designs are out!

People now care about the small details. Where it is made, how it is made. Fashion wisdom is oozing into the mainstream and it is no longer exclusively about the celebrity. Consumers are taking a more active approach with their purchases. Some fashion houses still try their luck with these types of pretentious and insubstantial celebrities only to have media disasters. Let’s see what Kate Moss will come up with at Longchamp. Lindsay Lohan’s gag reflex fashion show debut for Emanuel Ungaro.

Sarah Jessica Parker receiving deep opposition as the Creative Director for Halston. It is no longer enough to be a superstar!

Today we are looking for celebrities that make a difference in our world. What began as a green approach has now infiltrated to branding. Fashion houses responded quickly by signing on celebrities that add more then just stardom such as with Michelle Obama who is often headliner news for her wardrobe.


This new form of thinking is exponentially growing throughout fashion industry creating an incredible opportunity to improve on the once archaic thinking and manufacturing. Constant evolution and adaptation is what keeps this fashion world exciting. Below is an example of the message of what “Luxury” can be perceived as without celebrity affiliation. This is an incredible video!

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Super Model and Actress Lydia Hearst Photographed by Benjamin Kanarek for Harper's BAZAAR