Celebs Get Paid $100,000 For Something You’d Do For Free

It's pretty well-known that celebs like Kim Kardashian and Rihanna can command up to $100,000 in appearance fees when they sit front-row at a fashion show (what, you thought they were there to see what hemlines are up to this season?). And, of course, everyone knows celebs often borrow or are gifted the items they wear on the red carpet. But, less well-known is the shadowy "red carpet economy," whereby celebs command big bucks to appear in certain designers' items. Not to bum you out or anything, but wearing one necklace can net a celeb more than most people make in a year. The Financial Times reports that "actors can command up to $100,000 per appearance for wearing a particular jewel." Although that statement isn't confirmed (and designers keep such fees mum, lest these celeb endorsements seem inorganic), it is in line with Vanessa Friedman's statements last month about Charlize Theron's partnership with French jewelry designer Chopard. FT reports that Chopard dressed 11 celebs at Cannes this year, including Julianne Moore, shown here, and Lupita Nyong'o. Using the six-figure sum as a rule of thumb, that could mean an outlay of over a million dollars. So, is it worth it? For the brand, the logic is simple: Celebs at red carpet events offer a level of visibility and excitement for their product beyond what traditional advertising can buy. “It doesn’t matter whether your jewels are in the most exquisite showroom or at the front of a window on Bond Street; ultimately they remain one-dimensional there,” says Caroline Scheufele, co-president and artistic director of the brand. “On the body of a beautiful and charming actress, pieces come alive in a very powerful way.” They also drive sales, of course. Far-fetched as it may seem, Julianne Moore's last appearance at the Met Ball caused her Irene Neuwirth emerald cuffs to sell out — even priced at $150,000 each. With that kind of profit in play, we're actually surprised celebs don't #Askformore when they model jewels. (Financial Times)