Katie Holmes to Show Her Collection at NY Fashion Week in September - What’s at Stake?

Katie Holmes, fresh from her painless divorce settlement with Tom Cruise, has already planned her next big project. In just two months, Katie will show her fashion line Holmes and Yang during New York Fashion Week. So what does this mean for her reputation, and her new role as a single working mom?

Katie launched Holmes and Yang with her longtime stylist Jeanne Yang in 2009, and major retailers like Barney’s and Harvey Nichols carry the simple and elegant collection, which focuses on expert tailoring and risk-free separates (although you can buy a Holmes and Yang leather cape for $3,100 here).

But her decision to present the Spring/Summer 2013 collection during New York Fashion Week marks a major step forward in the industry. Rather than quietly negotiating and meeting with sales reps by appointment, Katie is inviting global press and retailers from boutiques and department stores around the world to view, order, and judge Holmes and Yang. 

While Katie has mostly received positive critiques from the fashion industry for her line, one incident in particular has bathed the Fashion Week presentation in a shadowy light. The Hollywood Reporter reports that Katie “abruptly” fired Tom’s 19-year-old daughter Bella (Tom’s adopted daughter with Nicole Kidman) from her position at Holmes and Yang about two months ago. Rumors circulated that Katie wanted Bella gone because of her Scientology connections. 

No matter the circumstances, a lot is riding on Katie’s big fashion play in September. If her collection is flawless, her new reputation as a smart, in-control divorcee will be cemented, and she’ll be Supermom. If it falls flat, those watching will surmise that she doesn’t know what she’s doing now that she’s on her own. 

We’ll just be waiting until Holmes and Yang begins selling more affordable ways to dress like Katie. Until then, we’ll admire the clothes from afar!

Sources: THR, THR, Barneys New York

Molly Friedman is an editor at Wetpaint Entertainment. Follow her on Twitter @MollyFriedman.

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