Bitten

Although I've made it clear how I'm not a big fan of celebrity designers, I feel a little bit better about Sarah Jessica Parker and her Bitten by SJP line now.

"What was most satisfying to me on the opening day was to see the preponderance of plus-size women and women of color. That’s what made me cry, and I’m not being treacle-y about it. People may have been disdainful about our clothes—well, it’s not for them. They have access. They have the financial or the geographical access to clothes. This is simple American sportswear, and we made the decision to size from 0 to 22, from 5 to 11 in shoe sizes."

Apparently, just based on the success of the opening, they have made plans to go into their fourth collection already (summer 08).

And, SJP touched on the celebrity designer controversy, which Vera Wang had commented on last week, saying: "I understand the culture of [the fashion] business has changed radically, not unlike my primary business where everybody and his mother, with little or no training, wants to be in acting. There are real interlopers in my industry, as in Vera’s. This is not a cat fight—well, I was going to say I would wear her clothes but apparently I’m not allowed to anymore...But we’re really not in competition. This isn’t about competing with the work that Vera has done for years. I couldn’t possibly, nor do I want to. This is a very different endeavor."

Which begs the question, is it different? If celebrities are designing cheaper lines for lower-end stores, then it may be true that they aren't in direct competition with high-end designers. Both of these designers can market to different audiences, so maybe SJP is right that she's not hurting anyone by entering the design business. Even if she's wrong...at least she's honest.

Check out the rest of the interview with SJP here.

Photo: New York Times.

Sarah Jessica Parker is about to become one of the many celebrities who has dabbled in designing. Just last week, she launched her new line, "Bitten," for Steve & Barry's, set to debut in stores on June 7. The line's website features a slogan saying that "Fashion is not a luxury, it's a right." And the line certainly stands by this statement, creating well-made basics that feel "of-the-moment," according to Parker, and also come with very shopper-friendly price tags. The line is also unique among American clothing lines because it features a range of sizes from 2-22, which cater more to the average American woman.

Bitten by Sarah Jessica Parker has received mixed reviews from the media, critics, and bloggers - some praise the price range and sizes while others have criticized the designs, calling them nothing more than mismatched basics and questioning their quality. However, SJP has made a few strategic appearances, including one on Oprah, to promote the line. And from what I can see, her line certainly isn't going to be setting any trends any time soon, but the clothes are cute, and the majority are $20 or under - making them entirely worth it!

View the entire line at www.BittenSJP.com

Sarah Jessica Parker's much talked fashion line is missing the bite, after the first look image of Parker in a Tee with a "fashion is not a luxury" slogan I was excepting much more.

Images Fashionista.com