Janet had Michael to thank, but the Jacksons aren’t the only multitalented family around. Some of today’s biggest young pop stars have paved the way for their talented siblings. Thing is, those little sisters aren’t so little anymore. This new school bunch is ready to climb the charts and set the fashion world spinning with a style all their own.
Jamie Lynn Spears
This story first appeared in the June 2, 2003 issue of WWD. Subscribe Today.
Big Sis: Britney
Age: 12. Will join the cheerleading squad, basketball team and softball team as a seventh grader at Park Lane Academy in Mississippi.
Dynamic DNA: Played a young Britney in teen flick “Crossroads” and had a cameo in Britney’s Pepsi commercial.
Rising Signs: Joined the cast of Nickelodeon’s “All That,” a miniature “Saturday Night Live,” last year. According to her brother Bryan Spears, acting is her true calling. “She has a great comedic flair. She won’t be entering the pop world.”
Crush: Will Smith
Sweet or Salty?: Pizza
Sidekick: Izzie, her Pomeranian.
Famous Last Words: “I wanna be like Britney, but maybe better — but I don’t wanna outshine her!” she told Oprah Winfrey.
Look: Capri pants and newsboy caps, but is a jeans and T-shirts kind of girl at heart.
Ashlee Simpson
Big Sis: Jessica
Age: 18
Home Base: Los Angeles
Rising Signs: Currently recording her first album, but already has over 50 Web sites devoted to her.
Dynamic DNA: The Dallas native attended School of American Ballet before dancing professionally on her sister’s tour. Landed a starring role on the WB’s “7th Heaven” in 2002. Also appeared in “The Hot Chick” and costars in the upcoming “Standing Still” with James Van Der Beek.
Look: Knows how to work vintage.
Solange Knowles
Big Sis: Beyoncé
Age: 16
Home Base: Houston
Rising Signs: Her recently released debut album, “Solo Star,” features tracks produced by the Neptunes and Beyoncé herself, and “Naïve,” a sisterly duet.
Dynamic DNA: Solange will take the stage with her famous sister in Detroit on June 14 during the live broadcast of “Beyoncé Knowles, Friends & Family,” a concert to celebrate the Ford Motor Co.’s 100th anniversary.
Crush: Yes, she has a boyfriend, but we can’t say who.
Sweet or Salty?: Cheetos is her favorite snack.
Sidekick: Shuggie, a miniature chihuahua.
She’s Feeling: Coldplay, Incubus and Aretha Franklin.
Diva Alert: While friends say Beyoncé is sweet and innocent, Solange is straight forward. She knows what she wants and she’s not afraid to ask for it.
Look: Fifties-style flirtatious. She’s into full skirts and high heels, but also loves bright sneakers. Is currently on the prowl for a splashy new pair of Vans.
Dannii Minogue
Big Sis: Kylie
Age: 31
Home Base: London
Dynamic DNA: An Aussie sensation in the late Eighties, she gained fame as a TV show host and soap opera star before releasing her debut album in 1990. “Neon Nights,” her fourth pop/dance album, was recently released in London, and is zipping up the club charts there. New York’s own 102.7 FM honors Minogue requests.
Fountain of Youth: A big fan of Tae Bo and Botox, Dannii keeps her diet wheat- and dairy-free.
Sidekicks: Her cats, Floyd and Rabbit.
Look: Sexy clubkid at heart. Likes Dolce & Gabbana, Boyd and Gharani Strok. Her off-duty gear includes Earl Jeans, Replay and Juicy Couture. A former fashion designer, she had a kiddie clothing line in Australia, called Dannii, and later a clubwear line in England.
Mónica Cruz
Big Sis: Penélope
Age: 26
Home Base: Madrid
Rising Signs: In Spain, Monica is becoming muy famosa. She stars in TV’s “A Step Forward,” a Spanish style “Fame,” and is currently touring with her band, UPA Dance. She’ll make her film debut opposite Patrick Swayze in “Camino Flamenco.”
Dynamic DNA: Both Cruz sisters trained as dancers, with Penélope studying ballet and Monica flamenco, before kicking off their acting careers.
