Harlee Buford - Core Response #2

    Eckert describes, “Some of DeMille’s designers opened shops which catered to a well-heeled public. The Country Club Manufacturing Company inaugurated copyrighted styles modelled by individual stars and employing their names. It was followed by ‘Miss Hollywood Junior’ which attached to each garment a label bearing the star’s name and picture. This line was sold exclusively to one store in each major city, with the proviso that a special floor space be set aside for display” (33). 

    Eckert details how stardom influences consumerism and products that are on the market, particularly fashion. Stars often launch new fashion trends or spike the popularity of a particular brand or style of fashion. Although the popularity of stars launching their own clothing brands or launching a clothing line exclusive to a certain store seems to have dwindled, I vividly remember two instances growing up where this was the case.


    First, I remember that Target had a clothing line based off of the Disney show, Shake it Up, inspired by the unique clothing choices that the main characters, Rocky and Cece, wore, each tag labeling which pieces were Rocky’s and which were Cece’s. I remember buying a few items of clothing myself as I loved the show as a kid and I felt more connected to Shake it Up as a result. Additionally, I used to watch several DIY/beauty gurus on YouTube, specifically Bethany Mota, who launched her own clothing line exclusive to Aéropostale. I remember her fans raving over the clothes and the fashion seemed to further connect Bethany to her audience. 


    I think the appeal of mirroring the fashion trends of our favorite stars and celebrities is rooted in our enjoyment of playing “make believe” and escaping into a film or show. When we wear clothing inspired by a character in a film or movie, it further immerses us into the story and we develop a deeper connection towards that particular character. When we base our clothing off of what a star wears in public, there is still a part of us that plays pretend because we envy and admire who they are and what they have.


    Likewise, many stars, specifically musicians, sell merch advertising their music, yet these pieces also represent a certain fandom. The example that instantly comes to mind is someone wearing Taylor Swift’s merch, which not only shows someone’s interest in Taylor and her music, but it gives an opening for fans to meet members of a specific community, building connections over a shared love. 

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