The dresses, which have an average price of $14, are “cute and affordable” pieces. “In these hard times, making expensive dresses just doesn’t make any sense,” Swift shared. Don’t think the low price means cheap designs and quality though. If you admire the young singer’s fashion choices, then you can be sure her low-priced designs will allow you to copy her style without breaking the bank. Swift declared, “If I couldn’t see myself wearing them, I wasn’t interested in making them.”

Speaking of collaborations, another teen queen, Disney star Miley Cyrus, inked a deal with Wal-Mart last year to collaborate with the “hotter more than ever” designer Max Azria. The Miley Cyrus and Max Azria label carries inexpensive items such as graphic tees, tops, pants, and accessories, all perfect for little Miley Cyrus-wannabes. Azria, who has brought back the ubiquitous Herve Leger bandage dresses hugging some of Hollywood’s sexiest bodies, issued a statement saying, “Miley Cyrus is talented and approachable, so working with her sparked a line that is authentic and vibrant.”

Meanwhile, multitalented country superstar Reba McEntire was one of the few country artists who had enough star power to launch her own fashion line before it became “fashionable” to do so. Focusing more on the career woman, Reba’s designs are full of moderately priced mix-and-match pieces career and sportswear. “My philosophy is if you’re comfortable about how you wear your clothes, you’re not going to be worrying about them. You can do your job better. You have more confidence.” The eponymous clothing line is available at Dillard’s stores.

It is not just the ladies though who are venturing into the world of fashion, controversial Oklahoma crooner Toby Keith is leading the gents into better fashion sense when he unveiled the TK Steeelman clothing line. “Part rocker and part biker,” and with a “country-sexy” vibe best describes the merchandise, according to Keith, which includes long-sleeved shirts, polo shirts, jeans, cowboy hats, belts, and many other items that can make (or break) the man.

Kenny Chesney is another fashion aspirant who is dipping his boot-clad feet into the fashion arena. The Knoxville-born star launched his Blue Bay Chair label, which carried items for both men and women. Chesney said in an interview, “Blue Chair Bay is kind of like the place we’d all like to go if we had no obligations or nowhere to be, and that’s kind of what I want this clothing line to represent,” referring to his relaxed, comfortable style.

Actor and country music star Christian Kane, meanwhile, worked with stylist Heather Robinson to create, of all things, a rock and roll-inspired bikini and lingerie collection dubbed Maverix. Modern silhouettes and rock and roll-inspired themes define the collection.

]]> http://www.countrymusicblog.org/country-music-and-fashion/feed/ 0 http://www.countrymusicblog.org/and-the-best-dressed-award-goes-to%e2%80%a6/ http://www.countrymusicblog.org/and-the-best-dressed-award-goes-to%e2%80%a6/#comments Tue, 15 Sep 2009 01:38:54 +0000 http://www.countrymusicblog.org/?p=17 Fringes, glitters, and sequins…blue jeans, leather, big hair, and heavy make-up. None of these stereotyped images come together better than on a female country star. However, this look belongs to the past. Fashion has never been more fun and exciting as it is today. New and innovative designers are pushing the envelope of country fashion and today’s current crop of superstars are taking advantage of these fresh ideas. It has taken many years—and we may have to admit that we will never ever get to see Dolly Parton in a couture creation—but our ladies of country are certainly giving Hollywood divas a run for their money in many a best-dressed list.

For instance, American Idol Season 4 winner Carrie Underwood has certainly sharpened more than her vocal skills through the years. She has transformed from a fresh-faced country girl to a goddess on the red carpet. She loves showing her legs in heavily embellished mini dresses, but can also leave your mouth hanging when she puts on sophisticated gowns. Whatever Underwood is wearing, however, there is always that hint of country in her that can never be obscured by her stylist’s hand. Badgley Mischka and Naeem Khan are some of her favorite designers.

Another blonde and beautiful American Idol alum, Kellie Pickler, definitely loves fashion and knows what looks good on her. The former beauty pageant contestant favors heavily embellished, figure-hugging, golden or silver gowns for her red carpet appearances. Her sexy outfits, sunny personality, and Southern twang are a perfect combination every time. Kellie does her homework, and is often seen in a front row seat come Fashion Week. Zuhair Murad has dressed Kellie many times.

Meanwhile, Taylor Swift, country music’s newest “It Girl,” has gained admiration for her award show choices. Her gowns, such as the stunning, red Angel Sanchez one-shouldered gown she wore during the 44^th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards (ACMA), are always age-appropriate yet never boring. Taylor has an elegance about her that never fails to translate into her red-carpet choices. When not working, she loves to wear cute sundresses, sandals, and her trademark curls. Swift has remarkable personal style and we can certainly expect more fashionable choices from this teen celebrity.

Finally, many fashion critics will surely question Miley Cyrus’ inclusion in this list. However, fashion is supposed to be fun, and according to her fans, the 16-year old is definitely having fun with fashion and trying to find the style that best suits her personality. Her red carpet fashions may not be to everyone’s liking, but when she doesn’t try too hard to impress or “sexify” her image, Cyrus has the best street style compared with many of her peers. She is still learning, but with age and the right stylist, we can certainly look forward to more adventurous (and appropriate) fashion from Cyrus.

Solo artists are not the only ones making a fashion splash in the country scene. Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland eschews embellishments, opting instead for simple yet gorgeous gowns that skim her slim figure and accentuates her shoulders. On stage, however, her more casual look is enhanced by a confidence in her vocal prowess.