Celebrity businesses that failed
Celebrity ventures into the business world can be as unpredictable as the entertainment industry itself. While some stars have successfully translated their fame into thriving enterprises, others have encountered significant setbacks. While these celebrities may have found their way in the business world now, they didn’t always have success.
Rihanna’s Fenty Fashion Line
Rihanna, already a global superstar and successful entrepreneur with her Fenty Beauty brand, ventured into high fashion with the launch of Fenty in 2019. Partnering with luxury empire LVMH, she became the first woman of color to head a fashion house under the group. The brand was highly anticipated, with many expecting it to revolutionize the fashion industry. However, just two years later, the line was put on hold. Although the brand initially garnered attention, it struggled to gain traction, particularly during the pandemic, which proved to be a challenging time for the luxury fashion market. By 2021, LVMH and Rihanna decided to close the line, stating that it would be revisited in the future. Despite this setback, Rihanna’s business acumen remains strong, as her Fenty Beauty and Savage X Fenty lingerie lines continue to thrive.
Natalie Portman’s Vegan Footwear
In 2008, Natalie Portman, known for her advocacy of animal rights, teamed up with luxury footwear brand Tè Casan to launch a vegan shoe line. The collection was designed to offer high-end, cruelty-free alternatives to traditional leather shoes. However, the shoes were criticized for their design and high price points. Within the same year, the line was put on sale, and Tè Casan closed its doors shortly after. The venture was a short-lived experiment, but Portman’s commitment to ethical and sustainable practices remains influential, and she has since invested in other successful ethical businesses, such as the plant-based food company, Impossible Foods.
Kanye West’s Pastel Clothing Line
Kanye West, a trailblazer in both music and fashion, planned to launch his own clothing line, Pastels, in 2006. The brand generated significant buzz, with fans eagerly anticipating its release. However, the collection never saw the light of day, and the project was shelved entirely by 2009. Despite the failure of Pastelle, West went on to establish the highly successful Yeezy brand, in collaboration with Adidas, which has become a global phenomenon in the world of fashion and footwear.
Donald Trump’s Trump Airlines
In 1988, Donald Trump launched Trump Shuttle, a luxury airline intended to cater to business travelers between Washington, DC, Boston, and New York City. Trump envisioned an opulent flying experience with gold-plated fixtures and premium services. However, the airline struggled from the start, failing to attract enough passengers to justify its high operating costs as well as aircraft failures. After taking out a $245 million bank loan to fund the venture, Trump was forced to shut down the airline when it became clear that it was unsustainable.
Britney Spears’ Nyla Restaurant
In 2002, pop icon Britney Spears decided to try her hand at the restaurant business with the launch of Nyla, a Cajun-inspired eatery in New York City. Unfortunately, the venture was plagued by problems from the start. The restaurant received poor reviews for both its food and service, and it faced multiple health code violations. Nyla closed its doors after only six months.
Planet Hollywood: A Star-Studded Restaurant
In 1991, Hollywood heavyweights Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Bruce Willis joined forces to open Planet Hollywood, a chain of movie-themed restaurants. The concept quickly expanded, with nearly 100 locations worldwide by the mid-1990s. However, the chain’s rapid growth was unsustainable, leading to two bankruptcies. Today, only four Planet Hollywood locations remain.
