Tina Simpson, Mother to pop starlets Jessica & Ashlee Simpson reveals that she suggested that her daughters form their fashion label together and Tommy Hilfiger’s wife, Dee Ocleppo, is to launch her very own designer handbag collection.
Jessica and Ashlee Simpson’s mother came up with the idea for their clothing line. The girls’ mother, Tina, was the first person to suggest they combine their two individual styles in a clothing line aimed at young girls. Jessica told Fashionista.com: “My mother thought it would be great to combine both of our styles, both of our personalities.” She added that while it is the first time they have collaborated professionally, “It feels like we always work together.” Describing the differences in their style, she calls her look “pretty classic, I’m pretty easy going,” while Ashlee has more of a “rock ‘n’ roll, cool, boho-chic,” look, adding: “Combining the two is always fun.” Despite being sisters Ashlee and Jessica never ended up squabbling during the creative process either. Jessica added: “We loved being in the approval meetings together, we loved inspiration shopping together. It’s been fun. I feel like all these little girls are wearing stuff that Ashlee and I would both wear.” The sisters launched their range at Dylan’s Candy Bar last week, when their T-shirts, shoes and jeans were launched. Jessica – who also has a self titled signature line – is set to be busy as she has also signed a deal to design a maternity line, girls’ footwear and her spring 2013 women’s collection.
Tommy Hilfiger’s wife has designed her own range of handbags. Dee Ocleppo will launch the new venture, Designs by Dee Ocleppo, which she says came about when she was helping her husband with his latest collection, on the Home Shopping Network in March 2012. She said: “I talked to Tommy about this bag that I used to carry – we called it the Bermuda bag and you could change the covers on them. They are very preppy and you can button on one cover and take it off and reverse it and the other side would have a different colour.” The range – which is comprised of four different types, a frame clutch, a satchel with ring handle, a tote and a shoulder bag with a tortoise chain handle strap – allows customers to customise their own bags by choosing the handle and the fabric. She explained to WWD: “I’d like to offer what’s trending and what people have and what’s in fashion now and not break the bank. For a bag these days, it’s pretty affordable. You don’t have to mortgage your home. I think it’s unique, it’s accessible and affordable for everyone – and it kind of makes you the designer. It gives you control.” Prices range from just under $100 up to $250 and include 13 coverlet choices, including denim, leopard print canvas, quilted nylon and coral patent leather.
