By Tiffany Salas

Many musicians turned designers have made their mark in fashion. But, will the Fashion’s Industry’s tide come and wash them away?

To start with, an entertainer has a following: fans, bloggers, or their industry friends. These artists have become brands; all they have to do is attach their name but, can they make it? Will they last?

Madonna – Material Girl

The Material girl very successfully launched her line in 2010 at Macy’s Stores. Her line is a great addition to Macy’s Juniors/Impulse Departments (depending on store set-up) and is extremely trendy. Her targeted demographic is ‘tween to young adult.” However with her ongoing legal dispute with an L.A. based clothing company for the copyrights to the name of her brand, “Material Girl”; it leaves the question circling throughout the industry…Will it last? Maybe.

Pharrell Williams – Billionaire Boys Club

The super-producer, writer, and artist frequently associated and, most well-known through his group N.E.R.D., has continued success through his Billionaire Boys Club (BBC) brand. Will it stay relevant? Of course it will. He not only has BBC, but over the last six years he has created spin offs of BBC, such as Ice Cream Clothing, and Bathing Ape (BAPE). He has all of what it takes to remain relevant in the industry. With his original targeted demographic of Skater Boys and Girls, he and his brands will definitely be around a long time.

Avril Lavigne – Abbey Dawn

The punk rock, chic, girly girl super brand with her own fragrance. She also dabbles in the industry of Fashion. The trendy line “Abbey Dawn” sold at Kohl’s targets female “tweens” to young adults. Will the glitter-graphic tees, tutus, and leather infused line last? Sure.

Downfalls and Come-Ups

In early 2007, with the release of “Stronger,” a Daft Punk sample-filled composition; Kanye West gave us all hope when he mentioned “Pastelle” in one of his bars. Pastelle was a highly anticipated unisex fashion line designed by Mr. West. Unfortunately, two years later it seemed that the dream was something that would never be manifested. But after gaining more design experience (necessary for a Designer) Yeezy’s back at it again, YAY! West teamed up with the prestigious branding team for Louis Vuitton once again with a line exclusively for women. He collaborated with Louis Vuitton on a shoe line back in 2009, hopefully this line doesn’t let us down again. Will he make it?