11 Things to Know About Jessica Simpson’s Billion Dollar Fashion Empire

There are countless celebrity fashion lines on the market, but not many of them are as successful as Jessica Simpson’s line. Over the years, her brand has evolved from primarily selling footwear to tapping into the textile market, the athleisure division, and beyond.

For some celebs, fame is fleeting. But when it comes to Jessica, she has managed to keep her name in the press…and in our closets. If you’re like most Millennials and Gen X-ers; her clothing, footwear, and handbags are a major part of your fashion arsenal. But how much do you really know about the clothing empire ran by the woman who notoriously asked, “Is this chicken, or is this fish?”

Here are 11 things you need to know about the highly successful and lucrative Jessica Simpson Collection.

1. She Didn’t Receive Support from Fashion’s Bigwigs

When you get the stamp of approval from the fashion industry’s bigwigs, that’s how you know you’ve truly arrived! However, when Simpson first launched her collection, she received nothing but criticism.

Anna Wintour, editor-in-chief of Vogue magazine, completely turned her nose up at Simpson’s burgeoning line. In 2005, Wintour was quoted as saying, “Consumers aren’t dumb. The customer who is really interested in fashion is sophisticated. She will take a Marc Jacobs over a Jessica Simpson, every time.” Simpson proved Wintour wrong in more ways than she could ever imagine. Take that, Anna!

2. She Received Help from a Legend

Although many people snickered at the thought of Simpson starting her own label, she received an immeasurable amount of support from a fashion legend. The late designer Vince Camuto (who helped Nine West soar to popularity) purchased the Jessica Simpson Collection’s master license through his company, The Camuto Group. He played an integral part in launching the singer-turned-fashion maven’s brand. While others wrote her off without even giving her a second chance, Camuto called Simpson a “style icon.” He knew she was the secret recipe to a successful brand because “people like her.”

Upon his passing, Simpson took to her Instagram to thank the designer in a touching tribute.

“It is never about one person. It’s the teams you put in place. Without the right people, you’re nowhere” -Vince Camuto Thank you, Vince, for the humble power that has taken me everywhere. You are my mentor, my family, the creator of all my dreams. I will forever walk in your shoes…you made them. #brokenheart

A post shared by Jessica Simpson (@jessicasimpson) on Jan 21, 2015 at 10:01pm PST

3. This Isn’t Her First Rodeo

Before the Jessica Simpson Collection launched, the singer tried her hand at debuting a small collection right after starring in the 2005 film The Dukes of Hazzard. She signed a licensing deal with Tarrant Apparel Group to create a fashion line to help promote the film. Two lines were released, but Simpson was sued by the licensing group after she gave an interview saying her favorite pair of jeans were by the brand True Religion. The lawsuit for breach of contract was eventually dismissed.

4. Her First Collection of Shoes

After the issue with Tarrant Apparel Group was far behind her, Simpson linked up with Vince Camuto in 2006. They decided to use her fame from The Dukes of Hazzard to create her first line of shoes. They were a collection of cowboy boots that went perfectly with the film’s theme.

5. It Was Founded By Third Parties

Camuto wanted to shy away from producing any part of the collection in-house, and his decision is one of the reasons why the brand has been so successful. Instead of designing all the pieces, the collection is licensed to over 22 partners and third party vendors.

6. Her Team Is Heavily Involved

Although many people want to discredit Simpson’s involvement, The Camuto Group has always made it clear that her team (including her mom, Tina) are heavily involved with the brand’s creative process. There have also been reports that Simpson flies to New York a few times per year to meet with business partners and to approve a few of the new products. Whether that’s true or not, you can’t deny Simpson’s impact on the fashion world. Would the brand have been as successful if her name wasn’t attached to it? We doubt it.

7. Her Line Sells Becasue She’s Relatable

Aspirational fashion is fun to look at, but when it comes to actually making a purchase, most shoppers want to buy from people they relate to. Simpson believes women understand her and her struggles, and that’s why they can’t get enough of her products. Simpson has said that she knows how to dress women of all shapes and sizes because she has dealt with her own weight fluctuations throughout the years. It also doesn’t hurt that her collection is super affordable. $70 for jeans and $100 for a pair of pumps? Yes, please!

8. Every Piece Pays Homage to Her

If you know Simpson’s history, you know she’s always labeled herself a Southern, country girl from Texas. Her collection plays off of her Southern roots and bubbly personality with fun and flirty dresses, oversized sunglasses, and of course, her collection of cowboy boots.

9. Storefronts Are on the Horizon

You can find her brand in stores, such as Nordstrom, Macy’s and Dillards. But soon enough, you’ll be able to get your Jessica Simpson Collection fix at its very own storefronts. Back in 2015, the brand announced it was focusing on opening stores in its most profitable region: The U.S. Midwest region.

10. More Lines Are on the Way

Her collection already sells clothing, handbags, footwear, jewelry, sunglasses, and jeans. What more could possibly be left for Simpson to conquer?

After unveiling its athleisure brand of sporty attire, as well as a textile line of bedding; she confirmed she’s also working on a home collection of furnishings, a beauty line, and a baby collection. The mother of two definitely knows a thing or two about baby clothes so we’re sure the new product line will be a hit!

11. Annual Profits Are Astronomical

It’s amazing to think that a line that started out with just a few cowboy boots has grown to be what it is today. As the brand becomes more and more successful, additional product lines will be added, and there’s no end in sight for Simpson’s empire. After almost ten years in the business, the Jessica Simpson Collection brings in close to $1 billion dollars a year in revenue. Cha-Ching!