A History of Celebrities as Brand Creative Directors

The trend doesn't seem to be going away anytime soon.

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Complex Original

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The idea of a celebrity as a creative director is one met with a lot of skepticism. People wonder how much involvement they have in the brand they are being paid to promote, especially if it's not their own. Fans these days are smarter about product placement and endorsements given by fame, but not all situations warrant a raised eyebrow. Over the years, many celebrities have been creatively essential to a brand's work and revitalization, while also elevating their own statuses as artistic individuals. 

Our History of Celebrities as Brand Creative Directors, which doesn't include recent announcements of Joey Bada$$ being named creative director of Ecko Clothing and Lupe Fiasco becoming the creative director of new health app, Higi. have ushered in a new era of celebrity brand ambassadorship. See if you like where the trend's been and where it's going.

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Danny McBride (Kenny Powers): K-Swiss 2012

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Ussain Bolt: Nissan 2012

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Karl Lagerfeld: Diet Coke 2007

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Jessica Alba: Microsoft (Windows smart phone) 2012

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Swizz Beatz: Lotus 2011

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Justin Timberlake: Myspace 2013

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Victoria Beckham: Range Rover 2012

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Lindsay Lohan: Emanuel Ungaro Fashion 2009

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Justin Timberlake: Callaway Golf 2008

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Jean Paul Gaultier: Diet Coke 2012

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Lady Gaga: Polaroid 2010

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Gwen Stefani: HP 2005

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Will.i.am: Intel Computers 2011

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Beyonce: Pepsi 2013

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Alicia Keys: Blackberry 2013

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Taylor Swift: Diet Coke 2013

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Jay-Z: Budweiser 2006

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Justin Timberlake: Bud Light Platinum 2013

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Marc Jacobs: Diet Coke 2013

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Swizz Beatz: Reebok 2011

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