![[Valid RSS]](/valid-rss.png "Validate my RSS feed")
This news traveled around the web a bit before CHA, so I’m not saying anything new: Paris Hilton launched a new line of craft kits at the show.
I know – I need to read that line a couple times in order to believe it, too.
Anyway, the line (which includes scrapbooking, jewelry, and fabric embellishment kits) is aimed at teen girls – or, as they’re characterized in the brochure, “sophisticated and savvy young ladies in search of trend and prestige.”
Sadly, my plane arrived late in Anaheim and I missed the Paris Hilton event at CHA. You can see a little glimpse of it in Michaela’s post at CraftStylish. By all accounts, it was mobbed.
I have no issue with celebrities getting involved in craft – Vanna White‘s been at it for a long time, and Deborah Norville launched a yarn line this year. But I have to say: the products in those cases are of good quality.
The stuff in this Paris line seemed very blingy and plastic to me. Not to mention, presented with very little hard information as to the product itself. (Visit the website, and see a similarly opaque block of copy that says nothing much.)
I know I’m not the target audience, but I have to wonder whether those teens in search of “trend and prestige” will even go for it. Or, will their mothers be all that interested in Paris Hilton exerting any kind of influence on their daughters?
(I mean, above is a sample of scrapbook paper from the line – a seemingly-naked young woman reclining on her private jet with a cocktail in hand. Do teens really need this kind of imagery?)
Paris-as-crafter was a topic of conversation again and again on the show floor – I spoke with other show-goers and exhibitors, and I have to report: there was universal derision.
But let me remind you, Paris’ CHA launch event was packed with these same folks. So while we like to turn up our noses at the idea of Paris sitting home on a Friday night with her glue gun, we certainly lined up to see her in person.
It’s sad, in a way – clearly, Paris Hilton seeks business opportunity, and some team of designers obviously put effort into these products. Maybe the problem is in the presentation – if it wasn’t all so emblazoned with the face of a young woman whose life of extreme privilege has made her a bit of a punchline, then we might be willing to evaluate the products on their own terms.
You know which celeb I’d like to see launch a craft line? Amy Sedaris. She would rock it.
This is hilarious! With just one look at the packaging of her ‘product line’ I thought immediately ‘Barbie’s sniffing the Rhinestone glue instead of using it for it’s proper purpose’.. Those illustrations are beyond horror! As an illustrator myself I can see the talent that’s been used (or abused) for the packaging is waisted. What’s next? Paris Hilton goes green? :) great laugh though! xoxo
This is hilarious! With just one look at the packaging of her ‘product line’ I thought immediately ‘Barbie’s sniffing the Rhinestone glue instead of using it for it’s proper purpose’.. Those illustrations are beyond horror! As an illustrator myself I can see the talent that’s been used (or abused) for the packaging is waisted. What’s next? Paris Hilton goes green? :) great laugh though! xoxo
I really don’t understand the brand here–Paris is so prefab, I don’t associate her “brand” with creativity. And I can’t imagine other people do, either. But maybe the product can overcome that because it’s unique beyond just the Paris name? (Your description sure doesn’t sound like it, but I’m giving them the benefit of the doubt.) Perhaps they’re positioning the brand to convey that even if you’re not Paris, you can DIY your way into a Paris-esque look? The market for teenagers’ money is so crowded, I’m doubting that the Paris name alone can carry it. The marketer in me suspects this will be a flop, but I’m probably wrong.
I really don’t understand the brand here–Paris is so prefab, I don’t associate her “brand” with creativity. And I can’t imagine other people do, either. But maybe the product can overcome that because it’s unique beyond just the Paris name? (Your description sure doesn’t sound like it, but I’m giving them the benefit of the doubt.) Perhaps they’re positioning the brand to convey that even if you’re not Paris, you can DIY your way into a Paris-esque look? The market for teenagers’ money is so crowded, I’m doubting that the Paris name alone can carry it. The marketer in me suspects this will be a flop, but I’m probably wrong.
now there you have hit it on the nose! An Amy Sidaris line of crafty supplies, that would be hot!
now there you have hit it on the nose! An Amy Sidaris line of crafty supplies, that would be hot!
You are so right about the paper with the girl/cocktail. They should have known that was inappropriate when the line is aimed at young girls. Ick.
You are so right about the paper with the girl/cocktail. They should have known that was inappropriate when the line is aimed at young girls. Ick.
I am already in line for the Sedaris brand. I love that idea!
I am already in line for the Sedaris brand. I love that idea!
Ahh, how I love Amy. Anyone who makes fake butter out of felt is a goddess.
Ahh, how I love Amy. Anyone who makes fake butter out of felt is a goddess.
Hells yeah! We need us some Amy Sedaris craft supplies!
A-MY!! A- MY!! A-MY!!
(Think she’d do it if we all chanted her name loudly at the same time?)
Hells yeah! We need us some Amy Sedaris craft supplies!
A-MY!! A- MY!! A-MY!!
(Think she’d do it if we all chanted her name loudly at the same time?)
The whole idea of this sad creature being any kind of role model makes my stomach turn. Another chapter in the marketing of the product that is Paris Hilton. I’m totally on board with the Amy Sedaris concept however…or how about Tina Fey as a crafty maven???
Hey! It’s sunny outside!!
xo
Pam
The whole idea of this sad creature being any kind of role model makes my stomach turn. Another chapter in the marketing of the product that is Paris Hilton. I’m totally on board with the Amy Sedaris concept however…or how about Tina Fey as a crafty maven???
Hey! It’s sunny outside!!
xo
Pam
Yes please to the Amy Sedaris craft line.
Yes please to the Amy Sedaris craft line.
I think it’s only a matter of time until Amy Sedaris comes out with cupcake kits and wacky scrapbook stuff. That’s the way to merge scrapbooking and indie crafts.
I think it’s only a matter of time until Amy Sedaris comes out with cupcake kits and wacky scrapbook stuff. That’s the way to merge scrapbooking and indie crafts.
How many times can you say “deluxe high fashion” on one page?
How many times can you say “deluxe high fashion” on one page?
Is it just me, or does “Once style, elegance and glamor meet the universe of arts and crafts, we are witness to an unlimited world of imagination, where daring and beauty rule” sound like an insult?
Just sayin’…
Is it just me, or does “Once style, elegance and glamor meet the universe of arts and crafts, we are witness to an unlimited world of imagination, where daring and beauty rule” sound like an insult?
Just sayin’…
I have no words. Except maybe “hurl”.
I have no words. Except maybe “hurl”.
are you serious?! this is rather absurd. Anne – I agree…. it does almost sound insulting. the consumerism craziness ensues! :-)
are you serious?! this is rather absurd. Anne – I agree…. it does almost sound insulting. the consumerism craziness ensues! :-)
Of all the people I know who love to craft, love to make their own things, and appreciate the beauty of a handmade item, none of them strive for the world of ‘deluxe high fashion’, so no, I can’t see this working.
Maybe though, just maybe, when teens ‘specifically in search of trend and prestige’ get that glue gun in their hand they’ll realise what they can do, and start crafting up their own unique wardrobe!
Of all the people I know who love to craft, love to make their own things, and appreciate the beauty of a handmade item, none of them strive for the world of ‘deluxe high fashion’, so no, I can’t see this working.
Maybe though, just maybe, when teens ‘specifically in search of trend and prestige’ get that glue gun in their hand they’ll realise what they can do, and start crafting up their own unique wardrobe!
My two very crafty teenage daughters (13 and 14) were completely uninterested in this when I showed it to them. Good thing, that paper is ridiculously inappropriate for them.
Then again, I sure wouldn’t describe my kids as “sophisticated and savvy young ladies in search of trend and prestige” ;)
My two very crafty teenage daughters (13 and 14) were completely uninterested in this when I showed it to them. Good thing, that paper is ridiculously inappropriate for them.
Then again, I sure wouldn’t describe my kids as “sophisticated and savvy young ladies in search of trend and prestige” ;)
Oh, Amy’s piece in CRAFT is stunning. I love her.
Here’s the thing: Paris needs to be ignored. That’s the only way she’s going to learn. If then.
I’m glad I don’t have teen girls. I’d worry about this kind of stuff constantly. And I’d sound like my mom, and I’m not at all like her! I mean, except for the fact she was an ANGEL.
Oh, Amy’s piece in CRAFT is stunning. I love her.
Here’s the thing: Paris needs to be ignored. That’s the only way she’s going to learn. If then.
I’m glad I don’t have teen girls. I’d worry about this kind of stuff constantly. And I’d sound like my mom, and I’m not at all like her! I mean, except for the fact she was an ANGEL.