They said/We said: Mischa Barton launches a collection 5 years after she was a style icon

Photography by Adrian Corsin
Photography by Adrian Corsin

Look out Kanye and Rihanna, there’s yet another celeb-turned–aspiring designer in town and it’s none other than…Mischa Barton? The O.C star has just launched an online store called Mischa’s Place.

What kind of collection could one expect from the newbie designer? The line, designed in collaboration with her mother, Nuala Barton, is defined as an “eclectic haven of style,” consisting mainly of embellished shirts starting from $55 to pricier pieces such as the “Mischa Signature” jacket (currently sold out) at $310 and a Michael Jackson tribute jacket for $288.

That’s not all folks—with a click of the mouse you can also scoop up Mischa Barton–branded cosmetics, from body butters to nail polishes galore.

This is an, uh…interesting venture for the actress who’s graced more worst-dressed than best-dressed lists in recent years. However, Barton is no stranger to the industry, having launched a headband collection in 2008 and a handbag line last year (now selling on Mischa’s Place). To prove her commitment to the clothing line, Barton announced plans to open a flagship store in London later this spring.

We’re sure Barton can only hope (or call June Ambrose to help her) to match fellow O.C. costar Rachel Bilson’s Shoemint success. Perhaps Marissa Cooper fans and celebrity-obsessed shoppers will help her get in the sartorial game this third time around.

THEY SAID…

Telegraph: “As Barton has struggled to kick her career into gear post The O.C , it looks like Mischa’s Place is her vehicle to secure her route to further fame and fortune.” [Telegraph]

The Insider: “What with the interest in her still going strong, and her looking indisputably better than she has in years, looks like Mischa’s here to stay — take that Rachel Bilson!” [The Insider]

WE SAID…

Mary Dickie, managing editor: “It’s been a very long time since Mischa Barton’s heyday, and this collection of ruffled dresses, polyester mesh tops and scented candles is not likely to lift her out of B-movie obscurity.”

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