Celebrities Shapes Fashion Always

They seem to have it all: talent, beauty, money, clothes, and the perfect entourages. They're today's celebrities and their fashion choices seem to extend way past the red carpets. Don't seem to think so? Then why is there more publicity on what Lindsay and Paris are wearing rather than their movies??Ok, Ok...bad example, but what they're wearing does cover every glossy magazine and designers are quick to jump on the trends.

Consumers are transfixed on celebrity coverage and are anxious to see what they'll wear next. But why is this? And, has it always been like this?

To answer this you must compare apples to apples.

Back in the 1950s when the main style icon was no other than America's sex symbol Marilyn Monroe, there was a lack of technology and resources that could contribute to consumer's obsession with celebrities. It often took weeks or even months to get photographs out into the average person's hands. With the delay from photo shoot to the actual product, day to day citizens weren't allowed to get addicted to their favourite fashionistas.

Now with modern day technology is takes minutes to upload the latest picture of Naomi Campbell's outfit off the catwalk. This prevailing technology has only fuelled the fire to celebrities influencing fashion.

Another reason for the recent surge is celebrities' increase in power. Just being an actress doesn't make you famous anymore. You have to be a singer, actress, spokeswoman, and designer. Allowing celebrities to create, market, and develop their own clothing lines has allowed them to control the trend and in turn what you wear.

Many people find it hard to admit that they are copying Mischa Barton's latest look, but what they don't realise is most mainstream brands are altering their lines based on modern-day celebrities, and in turn your look.

Working With Celebrities

Why are celebrities such a big preoccupation with planners? Because meeting planners know what film producers and advertisers do: celebrities garner attention. They fill seats, sell tickets and generate a hefty amount of buzz for any event.

Nearly every planner I work with contemplates having a big name for their event, but it's not quite as simple as picking a name out and scheduling the date. Celebrities can add a great deal to your event, but they also mean a great deal more work.

Fees. There's really no way around this one. Big names cost big money. For planners used to hiring non-celebrity speakers, the sticker shock can be extreme. Many well known authors, actors and other well-known entertainers have speaking and appearance fees that can climb well into the six figures and beyond.

Contracts and Offers. The rule of thumb here is to expect them to be longer, and insist on as much detail as possible. Whether it's travel, fees and due dates or even the rider, make sure you know precisely what will be required of you, and what you're getting for your money.

Contract Riders. While the stories of extreme diva acts are usually overblown ("I said I wanted only lavender M&M's!"), it is true that some personalities have very stringent requirements about what they need in order to perform. Most of these will center around clean rooms, meal choices and hotel options, but read every item carefully. An ounce of preparation goes a long way towards keeping your personality happy and your event successful.

Less Personal Attention. Expect that most items that would normally be arranged with a speaker directly � conference calls, travel plans, etc., will probably be handled by an assistant or agent.

Travel. Big names frequently bring with them a number of assistants, security or other required personnel that can increase your travel fees and number of details. In addition, some personalities will require a private jet other special arrangements. Be sure you know what you're going to paying for and who will be responsible for making the arrangements.

Publicity. Most planners want to get extra mileage out of their top tier booking by setting up lots of publicity. While that's a great idea, be sure that your speaker or entertainer knows exactly what you'll be expecting, and that it's in the contract. Some personalities are wonderful about doing interviews and other activities, but some aren't. Make sure you have in writing everything that you'll need before you sign an agreement.

If the event will be promoted in any way, all media and content will usually need to be approved by the entertainer themselves. There are a lot of reasons for this, but mainly it's to prevent false or private information about a public personality from being released.

Cancellations. I like to remind my clients that an event with a marquis name personality is never final until they step onto the stage. Production problems, competing contractual responsibilities and travel logistics can all interfere at any stage of the game. Keep in mind that most celebrities will have out-clauses in their contracts that allow them to cancel an engagement without lengthy notice if they need to fulfill another obligation (movie role, state dinner, etc.)

With all of these difficulties, why would anyone go through the time and effort that it takes to secure a big name for an event? For the same reason that they consider it in the first place � celebrities generate the kind of excitement and attendance that you can't get without them. Just tread carefully and enjoy your star studded event!

Catherine Zeta Jones

Catherine Zeta-Jones (pronounced /ˈziːtə/ "zeeta"; born September 25, 1969) is a Welsh actress based predominantly in the United States. She began her career on stage at an early age. After starring in a number of UK and US television films and small roles in films, she came to prominence with roles in Hollywood movies such as The Phantom, The Mask of Zorro, and Entrapment in the late 1990s. She won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for portraying Velma Kelly in the 2002 film adaptation of Chicago, making her the first and only Welsh actress to win in that category. Zeta-Jones is married to Michael Douglas, who is exactly 25 years older than she is. They have two children – Dylan (named after Dylan Thomas) and Carys.

Zeta-Jones' stage career began in childhood. She often performed at friends and family functions when she was younger. She was a part of a Catholic congregation's performing troupe before she was 10. During this time Zeta-Jones made her professional acting debut when she played the lead in Annie, a production at Swansea's Grand Theater. She also starred in a version of Bugsy Malone. At 14, Mickey Dolenz (of "The Monkees" fame) was visiting Wales and stopped by the Grand Theater to audition her for The Pyjama Game. He was so impressed with her performance that she was offered the opportunity to join his show for the rest of the tour. By 1987 Zeta-Jones was starring in 42nd Street as Peggy Sawyer in the West End. She also played Mae Jones in a Kurt Weill opera called Street Scene with English National Opera at the London Coliseum in 1989 . Once the show closed, the actress travelled to France, where she received the lead role in French director Philippe de Broca's 1001 Nights (also known as Sheherazade), her feature film debut.

Comedy Football

watch comedy football video on DIGG