This post is part of a series on celebrity spokespeople who ended up doing serious harm to the brands they were hired to promote, or vice versa. See our list of the 20 top spokesperson fiascos.
Back in 2005, for Sarah Jessica Parker's 40th birthday, The Gap (NYSE: GPS) got her something brand new: a pink slip. Then they hired a 17-year-old to replace her.
Now, I've never been a fan of Sex in the City, the hugely popular TV show where Parker starred as gossip columnist Carrie Bradshow. Even though I spent my late 20s as a single woman in New York City, I spent my 30s -- when the show was hot -- as a staid married woman, with a baby either in tow or on the way most of the time. In fact, the few times I watched the steamy show, I found it so embarrassing I had to turn it off.
However, Sarah Jessica Parker and I are just a year apart in age. So it still makes my blood boil to think that the Gap (they were lucky to have her!) replaced her with 17-year-old singer (Joss Stone), right after her 40th birthday in March, 2005.
But who got the last laugh? It certainly isn't The Gap, which has seen its stock price fall nearly 25% in the past three years to a current $15.90 a share.
It also isn't Joss Stone, who I've never really heard of aside from this event. Her career-to-date seems to have peaked in 2005. I checked online for news of her and, ironically, found a recent posting from an E!Online blog headlined, "Joss, is that you?" The post highlighted her bad fashion sense from recent years.
No, the last laugh no doubt goes to Sarah Jessica Parker. She went on to launch her own successful fragrance line, start a fashion brand with Steve & Barry's, (which recently filed for bankruptcy -- oops). Best of all, the film version of Sex and the City, which was released just this past May, was a huge hit. A sequel is already reportedly planned.Clearly, despite Gap's miscues, Sarah Jessica Parker remains a fashion icon at 43.
Read the entire series.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
7-17-2008 @ 3:04PM
emmie said...
the gap is pretty stupid and it's their loss. she isn't hurting for anything having a very successful career and other companies think she is a worthy spokesperson. the gap actually was bringing her down.
7-17-2008 @ 4:50PM
Lara said...
You know, I just don't understand the appeal of Sarah Jessica Parker. She's not pretty, not sexy, and in the Sex and the City shows I watched, she was a miscast actress trying desperately to look/act coy and coquetteish. She is neither. Although cast as the lead in this show, she was far outshined by the rest of the cast, but she remains determined to be seen as the star. She also can't act.
7-17-2008 @ 7:17PM
Unique said...
SJP is an icon...like it or not, like her "style" or not (like HER or not)..she's gonna go down in Hollywood history for her contribution to the small screen, the red carpet, and NOW the big screen..
PERSONALLY
I'm a Fan.
A fan or her iconic show, her fashion sense (and risks) and her...
she's gorgeous. maybe not by MAINSTREAM standards...but what makes her an absolutely beautiful 40+ woman is that she's comfortable in her skin and doesnt apologize for being simply her.
TOUGH BREAK Gap. (that commercial with her and LennyK was dope!)
7-18-2008 @ 11:37AM
Jim said...
You have got to be kidding me - this woman is UGLY !!!!!!!! Take a close look at her her nose is soooo big and those hands she has more htan a few miles on her !!! I have never been a fan and to this day do not see why people think this skank is pretty
7-18-2008 @ 12:59PM
Jeff said...
haha one loser dumping another!
Gap and Parker are as hip as the 40 year old divorced women crowd.
7-18-2008 @ 6:33PM
man5tyl said...
I wouldn't go that far.She isn;t all that,and you have to remember she is not the only one on sex and the city. not that I have ever watched it, since I don't really care for Sarah Jessicah Parker.
7-19-2008 @ 9:40AM
minnie said...
Sarah Jessica Parker may not be traditionally "beautiful", but if you can't see the beauty in a woman who came from dirt poverty, and rose up to be professionally trained in both ballet and opera, have a postively stellar career in acting, and not to mention, is intelligent, clean, well taken care of, confident, and a good mother!! She was on Broadway, and also played the lead role in "Annie"! What the hell is wrong with people!! She also has clear, beautiful skin, sparkly eyes, and a generally healthy glow to her. She participates as a spokesperson for animal rights, and applies herself to awareness issues. She is what every woman should strive for, my gosh! When you strip down all the crap, and just look at the person, she is most definitely beautiful!! Who does everyone else think is beautiful? Pamela frickin Anderson???
7-19-2008 @ 10:17PM
Janon35 said...
I love Sarah Jessica Parker. I am proud to wear her labels and I think she is more considerate than most in hollywood. She realizes that everyone should be able to dress well even if their budget is a little tighter than some. She has style and good character. I am sad that Steve & Barry's is going out. I really hope that she will show up with a new idea for the average person again, that will prosper!
7-20-2008 @ 1:55AM
JUDI said...
I think she is gorgeous and extremely genuine. I believe she has a beautiful figure too. Yes, GAP should be ashamed of itself. Sarah will remain an icon in my eyes.
8-19-2008 @ 7:17AM
Joseph said...
I never thought SJP was a classic beauty, but I found her likeable on Sex in the City. I really would have watched the show just to see Ktisten Davis. No one is as beautiful as they made her look. Her hair and make-up folks should have gotten the Emmys. The show got totally out of control when Carrie kept on getting yhe good looking guys and Kristen Davis got the bald headed Jewish guy. Get real. By the way did they ever mention why Mr. Big was nicknamed that?
9-05-2008 @ 10:25AM
AineJuno said...
I think it's hilarious how all the SJP haters shut up after "Minnie" layed it all down for them!
GOOD FOR YOU MINNIE!
Not ONE of them could come back with anything to say after throwing Pamela Anderson at them. LOL
The lesson to be learned her...
Before you say someone's not beautiful, you better know what you're talking about.