Wednesday, Dec. 07, 2011

Jessica Simpson

Jessica Simpson's career these days may be a little less in your face — she's no longer belting songs like "I Wanna Love You Forever" or asking on television if tuna is actually chicken — but she is still making a whole lotta money. After her successful singing and reality TV career faded into oblivion, Simpson reinvented herself as a fashion designer. While critics were busy teasing Simpson about everything from her intelligence to her style sense, she was building an empire. The Jessica Simpson Collection began with shoes six years ago and now includes hats, bags and clothing. In February, New York put her on its cover with the headline, "Jessica Simpson, Fashion Mogul," and detailed her estimated $750 million earnings in 2010. This year, thanks to recently added ready-to-wear and career separates lines, her label is expected to become the first celebrity clothing line to top $1 billion in annual sales, a total that puts the Texan singer on par with top designer Michael Kors. It's safe to say Simpson is the only one laughing now — all the way to the bank.