Justin Timberlake’s clothing line William Rast to show at NY Fashion Week

William Rast by Justin Timberlake and Trace Ayala are best known for their premium jeans. They will show this season at New York Fashion Week. Naturally they have a celebrity following, including Cameron Diaz, Paris Hilton, Jessica Simpson just to name a few.

The brand was created in 2006 and the name "William Rast" is a combination of their grandfather's names. The feel of the collection is inspired from growing up in Memphis and first collection had 60 pieces of men's and women's wear.

I have very mixed feeling about "celebrity" designers. Many artists have the resources to create and build their brand.They already love clothes, they understand their style and they know what they like and what works for them. Part of enjoying someone's music is that you also like their style, you identify with them - so there's already a market.

In 1985 Jaclyn Smith from Charlies Angles did a line for K-mart. Since then lots of singers, models and actors have created their own line: Kate Moss, Gwen Stephanie, Puff Daddy, JLo, Liz Hurly and the list goes on and on.  I don't really resent it - part of it's just business and it makes sense but part of me really sympathizes with fashion designers. I just know how hard it is for the new designer. There are so many young (and well established ) designers who can't afford to show this season.

 William Rast Spring 09