Lauren Conrad designs Emmy gown. Ouch.

Nevermind the fact that Lauren Conrad's debut fashion collection was made up of jersey separates that hardly wowed. Or the fact that the clothes didn't sell very well and even Kitson here in L.A. dropped the line. Barring that, someone at the Academy still thought it would be a great idea to have 'The Hills' reality star design the official gown for the 60th Emmy Awards.

Yes, the announcement got them plenty of publicity. And surely, there will be more ink spilled when the lame frock is unveiled. But why Lauren Conrad? Other than the fact that she's a popular reality show star, what distinguishes her from all the other actor-designers out there? And why not celebrate one of the industry's own talented costume designers such as Janie Bryant ("Mad Men") or Eduardo Castro ("Ugly Betty")?

FYI: There's an exhibit at FIDM right now showcasing the Outstanding Art of Television Costume Design. Click here to learn more.

The Emmys have often been criticized as a fusty, out-of-touch outlet that overlooks the best shows for the more popular, easy choices. Kind of like the committee that picks the king and queen of the prom. Case in point: "The Wire" has never won an Emmy. I repeat, "The Wire" has never won an Emmy.

For the record: An earlier version of this post incorrectly said "The Wire" had never been nominated for an Emmy.

Photo: Getty Images

Comments

[Marianna]

Why are you being negative over a gown yet to be seen! Kitson wanted publicity and used Lauren to get it. It is selling out Heidi's line isn't it? Other stores are selling her line and it is doing well!

[CAT]

Why all the judgement and negetivity towards this woman? The Emmy committee obviously thinks she is more than qualified to design an appropriate dress. She is popular and of the moment right now. She has designed a collection of clothing and I'm sure they have seen it. Don't judge what still remains to be seen. I hope she takes this opportunity to wow the naysayers and shut them up once and for all. Give the girl a chance!

[Jo]

People are making a big deal out of nothing. First of all, I worked for a successful women's clothing line that was also "dropped" from Kitson. BIG DEAL! Just because something doesn't sell well at Kitson does not mean the line is a failure. The line I worked for was still very successful, it just didn't sell well at that store. It did great at Nordstrom, Macy's, Fred Segal and other well know locations. Different stores appeal to different clientelle. I personally don't care for Kitson, but that's just my preference. Also, I seem to recall Lauren designing a "red carpet" dress that she wore to a function last summer that got rave reviews and won best dressed by many media outlets. She actually studies fashion & you should wait to judge until you see what she designs for the emmy awards. I find it shameful that you feel the need to be so negative and wouldn't even bother to find out how the fashion industry works before you published this article. Aren't you supposed to be a journalist? Most journalists check their facts before they print a story. Learn how to practice ethical journalism before you start crticizing the careers of others. Typical one-sided L.A. times.....

[dont]

um her line just went to nordstrom. where are you sources that it isnt selling well besides kitson?

bad journalism,

[Cill]

I love her clothing line. I think the outfits are cute. I don't see why it would be a bad thing for her to design an Emmy gown. She dresses great herself so I'm pretty sure she can handle it.

[Alex Baran]

Lauren Conrad is more than happy… she is healthy – happy! Eating healthy meals increases your happiness scale, and from Lauren I found about the ways I can keep myself happy and healthy. I read about her 1,500 calories diet at http://www.projectweightloss.com and I was impressed by the results of this diet. Lauren Conrad is really looking at her best!