"Most recently, I heard Kenneth Cole speak about his new book, "Awearness," and what went into the book. At the event, I learned about the designer's humanitarian side. He's spent decades raising funds and awareness for AIDS research, and this book lists ways that others can be equally inspired to make a difference in the world... Cole is using his celebrity status to change the lives of others. He's famous for his fashion line, but defines himself through his work for public service. At this event, I discovered another side to the man."

Which brings up an interesting question: Will the new era of economic belt-tightening challenge us to explore our notion of what celebrities are and the role they should play in our society? The term "frugalista" (in contrast to, ahem, "fashionista") has already been mentioned as a possible Oxford Word of the Year for 2008 - so it's clear that the notion of "celebrity" - of what it means to be "fabulous" - is already rapidly changing within the fashion industry.