Designer Kelly Nishimoto claims Paula Abdul's team wanted to borrow garments for American Idol and then keep them for free, and that Kate Hudson's team inquired about complimentary leggings despite her own activewear brand. Nishimoto, who is closing her business, calls the requests tacky and questions if wealthy stars should ask for freebies.
Fashion designer Kelly Nishimoto, a former co-host on the reality series Something Borrowed, Something New and founder of the Cute Booty Lounge, has publicly accused two high-profile celebrities of attempting to obtain free clothing from her during her time as a business owner.
Speaking on a recent episode of her Hairbrush News podcast, Nishimoto, 49, detailed instances involving Paula Abdul and Kate Hudson, describing the requests as tacky and highlighting the financial strain she faced while running her brand. The first incident involved Abdul's stylist, who borrowed several pieces from Nishimoto's collection for Abdul to wear on American Idol. After the garments were used, Nishimoto said the stylist contacted her to request that three items be gifted to the singer.
Nishimoto offered to send an invoice for the pieces but was met with a message that Abdul was hoping to receive them for free. She expressed frustration, noting that she was struggling to cover her rent, pay her single employee, and compensate her Sewing lady, and that the requested clothing was worth approximately one thousand dollars. Nishimoto argued that Abdul, who was being paid handsomely for her television work, should not expect free items, especially from a small designer.
She added that she also intended to bill an additional thousand dollars for the dry cleaning of the other garments she had lent out at no cost. When it became clear the items would not be gifted, Nishimoto stated that Abdul's stylist returned all the borrowed clothing. The second allegation involved Kate Hudson's stylist, who inquired about obtaining a free pair of leggings from Nishimoto.
The designer found the request particularly surprising because Hudson had already launched her own activewear line, Fabletics. Nishimoto said she offered to send an invoice for whichever items Hudson desired, but she never received a response after that. She questioned the propriety of the behavior with a rhetorical, And then I never heard back. I mean, c'mon.
Really? Nishimoto used the story to frame a larger question about whether celebrities should still be asking for free products while earning prime-time television money. Nishimoto's announcement coincided with her earlier declaration that she was closing down her fashion brand after 22 years in operation. In an Instagram post, she described the decision as the end of an era, stating she had new goals, passions, and beauties in life, and that she now sees life through a different lens.
She reflected on both the successes and failures of her three-decade career as a designer. Her claims sparked reactions from other industry figures. Celebrity designer Michael Costello defended Paula Abdul in the comments, calling her exceptional and noting that she has always paid in full for anything she wore from his company. Makeup artist Ernesto Casillas suggested the blame lies with stylists, who may not want to chip into their own budgets, rather than with the celebrities themselves.
Nishimoto, who has been open about her financial struggles as a small business owner, framed these experiences as examples of a broader issue within Hollywood where powerful figures expect complimentary goods and services. She questioned the ethics of seeking freebies when one is already well-compensated, inviting her followers to consider whether such requests are incredibly tacky. In summary, Kelly Nishimoto's podcast revelations have ignited a conversation about celebrity entitlement and the dynamics between stars, their stylists, and struggling designers.
While some have come to the defense of the named celebrities, Nishimoto's account underscores the challenges small fashion entrepreneurs face when navigating requests from high-profile clients. She maintains that such expectations are unreasonable, especially from those who are already financially successful
Please follow us on Google to support usKelly Nishimoto Paula Abdul Kate Hudson Free Clothes Celebrity Stylist Cute Booty Lounge Hairbrush News Fashion Designer American Idol Fabletics
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News: You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
How to Score a Free Designer Fragrance Dupe During Bath & Body Works' Prime Day Alternative SaleBath & Body Works is giving away free designer fragrance dupes during their Prime Day alternative sale. Plus more for 75% off.
Read more »
From Dreamy Designs to Striking Minimalism, the Best Designer Bridal LooksFrom frothy textures at Stella McCartney and Dior to Kallmeyer's minimalist silhouettes, here are the best white wedding looks from resort 2027.
Read more »
Designer Julien Dossena Leaves Rabanne After 13 YearsHis replacement will be announced 'in due time.'
Read more »
Van Hollen endorses Abdul el Sayed after New York socialists sweep primariesChris Van Hollen is now the second sitting senator, behind Sen. Bernie Sanders, to back Abdul el Sayed's progressive bid for the Michigan seat.
Read more »