When you think "Jessica Simpson," do you think "billionaire businesswoman"?
No, not immediately.
Truth be told, Simpson is far more famous for who she's dating -- and what she's cooking for Thanksgiving -- than for her amazing business acumen. But alas, wipe those smirks away! Because Jessica Simpson, Inc. (not her real brand) is poised to break the $1 billion mark.
Crazy, right? From shoes to bags to jeans to perfume, Simpson-branded products are a massive commercial success. And the star herself is said to be worth $100 million, according to
You heard that: $100 MILLION. Not bad for the recipient of John Mayer's most infamous diss. It's almost like her ho-hum singing and acting careers are go-nowhere, just-for-fun side projects; her new holiday album "Happy Christmas" is a dismal No. 123 on the Billboard 200 chart. And her last film that had a theatrical release, "Blonde Ambition," grossed just $6,422.
But with her lucrative entrepreneurial endeavours, Simpson could retire TODAY if she so desired. Surprisingly, the Texas native's celebrity brand when it comes to fashion and fragrance is more powerful than we gave her credit for -- and the numbers talk. Camuto Group, the company that makes Simpson's wildly popular footwear line, has licensed her name on other merch, which amassed a combined grand total of $750 million in retail sales this year. Simpson's moniker has even outlasted and outperformed product ventures by Jennifer Lopez and similarly glammed-up celebs, WWD.com said.
"She is the girl next door and has great product that surrounds her," exec Vince Camuto told the fashion-news outlet. "People like her. People look at her as a style icon."
Cue the arrival of Jessica Simpson Sportswear, hitting stores in Fall 2011. The line will be sold in junior's departments, and includes jackets, knits and dresses -- all under $150. It will likely sell like hotcakes.
"Her celebrity has created a brand that is more sustainable than many others," said Jack Gross, CEO of jeanswear for The Jones Group, which licenses Simpson's denim collection.
Simpson's fiance Eric Johnson is very, very lucky. No wonder her dad-ager wanted a pre-nup
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