They Did What?!

For most of us, trends and fads are centred on insignificant aspects of our lives and by definition are fleeting moments of fancy adopted by a large portion of society only to be thrown aside just as quickly to make room for the next big thing.

While we may create fads and trends from everyday things like fashion, decorating and music, celebrities take it one step further by creating media sensations around what most of us ‘regular’ folk would consider to be major life milestones.

From insane, to inane, to completely ridiculous, they’ve pretty much done it all and we’ve seen it.  So, let's look back on some of the best trends to rock Hollywood in recent memory.

Crotch Shots

2007 was the year of the young Hollywood crotch shot.  We saw everyone’s from Britney’s, to Lindsay’s, to Paris’ on display for the world to see.  I could perhaps understand if it was a one-time thing (accidents do happen), but for a time it seemed as though the flash was becoming their calling card.  Is it really that hard to throw on a pair of undies?

Apparently, "how best to get out of cars without showing the world your hoo-haw" is not a lesson these girls received before they were given their first limo ride.  Luckily, 2008 has started off crotch-free…knock on wood.

DUIs

Continuing down the path of destruction, it seemed as though all of Hollywood was hard pAArtying this past year, as everyone’s favourite blogger, Perez Hilton, would say.  What began as the young starlet pastime of drinking and driving, rapidly became a dangerous game involving alcohol, drugs, accidents and deaths - and it seemed as though everyone wanted a turn.

Jail time did ensue for some, which showed the world that even if your last name is Hilton, the judge could still throw the book at you. This is one fad I hope has been done to death.  

Rehab

Speaking of downward spirals and destruction, rehab was the Hollywood trend of the year and Amy Winehouse along with her mess of a husband, Blake, were the poster children.  Perhaps it was that song?

Of course, all of the usual suspects took their turn.  There were even some surprises (who knew Eva Mendes had a problem?).  When stars are in and out every few weeks, that’s when you know you have a true trend on your hands.

Why is it that celebrities are so down?  Are drugs and alcohol really the only answers?  Apparently money really can’t buy happiness.

Clothing Lines

Most of the cast of The Hills has become the latest batch of “celebs” to get fashion lines of their very own…gag.  HOW DOES THIS HAPPEN?!

I can understand certain celebrities delving into the industry, but just because you wear nice clothes that your stylist picks out for you does not mean you automatically have a license to “design” a clothing line.  Are you listening Lauren and Heidi?

I think it’s easy to forget that designing is an art and a science, and should not be taken lightly, so let's leave it to professionals guys.

Pregnancy

Every few years it seems as though the stars align and the baby gods shine down on a batch of unsuspecting celebs.  Baby bumps were the accessory of 2007 and every woman seemed to want one.

A few were a long time coming (congrats to J. Lo, Christina and Nicole Kidman), while others were happy to see round two (Gwen wears that bump so well) and finally, there were a few, shall we say…surprises.  I don’t think anybody saw Jamie Lynn’s pregnancy coming and Nicole and Benji?  Hilary must have been pissed.

Adoption

On a similar note, children were the hip things to have on your hip this past year and I’m not talking about babies anymore.  Brad and Angelina definitely started something when they began adopting their brood of little ones.

Madonna stirred the pot when she attempted to adopt a little boy from Malawi with courts granting permission in a matter of days, sending child advocacy group, Eye of the Child, into a tailspin.

We all know celebrities get preferential treatment, but as the group’s spokeswoman said, adopting a child isn’t like buying a house…or is it in the world of the rich and famous?