The success of lavish couture brands such as Versace has largely been hinged on celebrities promoting and wearing them. Celebrities support expensive labels with their access to the media, and both Keira Knightly and Hilary Swank have both been known to promote Versace.



More recently designers such as Ed Hardy are conquering the market by getting celebrities to don their clothing first. Hardy's tattoo inspired tops and caps have been seen on celebrities such as Madonna, Fergie, Ludacris, Megan Gale, and Lara Bingle.



It seems that star power will continue to drive style and trends (though perhaps not charity campaigns). It's certainly help the Hardy brand, with new Ed Hardy stores popping up around Australia.

(source Think Fashion and Ed Hardy)