Jessica Simpson, Surprise Billion Dollar Brand

When you hear the name Jessica Simpson, a number of adjectives might come to mind, but fashion mogul probably isn’t the first. In spite of some unfortunate outings in mom jeans and other unflattering clothing, the Cut reports that Jessica Simpson’s fashion empire is on track to hit $1 billion in sales.

While her collection may not win any awards for innovation or groundbreaking design, the shoes are generally attractive, and more than that, it’s not difficult to imagine Simpson actually wearing her own line. Like her own looks, there are an equal number of hits and misses to be found, but if nothing else it does give the brand some authenticity.

It would be easy for the high fashion fan to dismiss the brand as the kind of mass offering for people who just don’t get fashion, but it’s interesting to see that relatable really does sell. Simpson isn’t runway model thin or even catalog model thin, and in fact, doesn’t always get it right when dressing to flatter her busty, petite frame. She’s been absent from the music charts for a while, and never reached the heights of Britney or Beyonce, so it can’t all be down to celebrity appeal either.

Somehow, in appealing to the approachable (mistakes and all), Jessica Simpson’s managed to become aspirational.