FROM THE STUDIOS TO THE RUNWAY

House of Dereon founders, Beyonce Knowles and mother,Tina Knowles on the runway after a House of Dereon collection show.

Over the years, fashion has being indispensably important in the music industry just as in every other form of entertainment. However, many recording artists have made successful crossovers from music to fashion while still remaining dedicated to their onstage fans. 

A golden voice with Estee Lauder lips, swift legs on Blonik heels, a curvaceous figure on a Versace gown, flexible palms on a Jacobs clutch; defines the true diva. They write, they sing, they record, they dance, they top the chart, they win the prizes, they have one thing in common, beauty and brains, style and composure.

Here are some successful recording artists who built successful clothing labels.

L.A.M.B by Gwen Stefani (Singer, Actress, Dancer, Songwriter, Record Producer)

L.A.M.B. is a fashion line by successful Italian American singer Gwen Stefani, the lead vocalist of the rock band No Doubt. Making most of the clothing that she wore on stage with former group No Doubt, she was haute couture clothing, which led to the launching a fashion line named L.A.M.B. in 2004 named after her debut solo album, Love. Angel. Music. Baby. 

The line takes influence from a variety of fashions, including Guatemalan, Japanese, and Jamaican styles. The line achieved popularity among celebrities and is worn by stars such as Teri Hatcher, Nicole Kidman, and Stefani herself. In June 2005, she expanded her collection with the less expensive Harajuku Lovers line. With varied products including a camera, mobile phone charms, undergarments, dolls, accessories and perfumes, L.A.M.B. is fast becoming a leading fashion line.

House of Deréon by Beyonce Knowles (Singer, Dancer, Actress)

House of Deréon is a ready-to-wear fashion line introduced by singer and actress Beyoncé Knowles and her mother/stylist Tina Knowles in 2004 and first introduced on The Oprah Winfrey Show. 

The style and concept is inspired by three generations of women in their family, with the name "Deréon" paying tribute to Beyoncé's maternal grandmother, Agnèz Deréon (Mother of Tina Knowles) a successful seamstress. House of Deréon pieces were exhibited in Destiny's Child's shows and tours, during their Destiny Fulfilled era. House of Dereon collection includes: sportswear, outerwear, handbags, footwear, eyewear, lingerie and jewelry.

Rocawear by Jay Z (Rapper, Record Executive, Producer)

Rocawear is an American clothing manufacturer based in New York. It was created in 1999 by Roc-A-Fella Records co-founders Damon Dash and Jay-Z, and has had annual sales of $700 million. Rocawear expanded its brand through licensing pacts to develop lines for children and juniors; socks and sandals; leather, suede, and fur outerwear; handbags and belts; lounge wear; big and tall; headwear; jewelry; and sunglasses; as well as co-branded product with Pro-Keds, State Property, and Team Roc. In March 2007, Jay-Z sold the rights to the Rocawear brand to Iconix Brand Group for $204 million. Jay-Z will retain his stake in the company and will continue to oversee the marketing, licensing, and product development. In March 2009, Rocawear launched its first social networking site, offering style news, music, fashion, and cultural connections.

In 2012, Rocawear was a €490 million clothing business.

Sean John by Sean “P.Diddy” Combs (Rapper, Producer, Record Executive)

Sean John is a fashion company created by music icon Sean Combs and launched in 1998 as signature collection of sportswear under his given name. The line made its fashion debut with a men's sportswear collection for the spring 1999 season.

Since its launch, Sean John has enjoyed critical and commercial success with revenues now exceeding $525 million annually. Sean John has often appeared at the award ceremony for the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) held annually in New York. For five consecutive years, from 2000 to 2005, Sean John was nominated for its excellence in design. In 2004, Sean John was awarded the CFDA Men's Designer of the Year award.

In recent years, Sean John has expanded to a full lifestyle brand with the inclusion of multiple product categories including sportswear, tailored suiting, dress shirts, ties, hosiery, eyewear, children's wear, fragrances, time pieces, outerwear, underwear, loungewear, cold weather accessories, headwear, and footwear.

Individuals of note who have represented the brand in advertising and marketing include Combs himself, musicians Nelly, T.I., Mariah Carey, Nas, Usher, Pharrell Williams, Fabolous, Mary J. Blige, Rick Ross, Mack Wilds, and Busta Rhymes, actors Jamie Foxx, Penélope Cruz, and Vincent Pastore, athlete Dwyane Wade, fashion models Tyson Beckford, Naomi Campbell, and Channing Tatum, and many notable DJs.

Phat Farm by Russell Simmons. (Producer, Record Executive, Philanthropist, Activist)

Phat Farm is a national fashion line created by Russell Simmons, co-founder of Def Jam Recordings. Phat Fashions (itself a division of Kellwood Company), is touted as a symbol of men's contemporary American culture, mixing the urban aesthetics of the streets and the preppy culture of the Ivy League.

Since its inception in 1992, the fashion line is marketed as "an upscale mix of sporty urban fashions" with the classic Ivy League preppy style. For example, argyle sweaters are paired with baggy jeans and crisp white sneakers. Phat Farm expanded to include Baby Phat, a brand that encompasses women's wear, as well as eyeglasses, fragrances and children's clothing.

DVB by Victoria Beckham (Singer, Model)

DVB is a fashion line by named after British powerful couple David and Victoria Beckham. First launched in 2004, DVB is famous for its denim, sunglasses and cosmetics. Unlike many other fashion designers, the former posh spice is a strong advocate of animal rights and promotes an animal friendly wardrobe filled with faux/synthetic furs. Her stand against the fur industry has generated admiration from animal rights organizations, including PETA. In November 2011, Beckham was awarded the "Designer of the Year" gong at the annual British Fashion Awards.

JLo by Jennifer Lopez (Singer, Dancer, Actress, Model)

JLo by Jennifer Lopez is an American lifestyle brand founded by popular Latina singer, dancer, actress and model, Jennifer Lopez. First launched in 2001 as a collection of ladies urban wears. Enjoying a modest success, Lopez released her debut cologne, Glow by JLo in late 2002 to a huge success becoming one of the most successful perfume brands of a recording artist.