Rachel Bilson has been named the new eyewear ambassador to Sunglass Hut.  The actress is well-known for her love of sunglasses, and it’s paid off with a new contract.  “I can’t say what makes me a good style adviser for them, but I am a huge sunglasses addict. I don’t leave the house without [a pair].” Brands have been snatching up celebrities to design and promote their products lately.  A symptom of the economic downturn?  Think back to Lindsay Lohan at Ungaro, and most recently, Sarah Jessica Parker signed on with Halston.  Many are usually left wondering if these pairings are as magical as they appear at first glance.  One understands the celebrity appeal, they come with immediate name recognition and a built-in consumer base.  We’ve just witnessed the backlash of the Lohan-Ungaro union, it ended with the designer being replaced by Giles Deacon.  These partnerships need not end badly, the right collaboration can yield remarkable results for both parties.  Rachel Bilson with Sunglass Hut can be such a union.  Her first appearance as brand ambassador is on Wednesday, April 28th as the company celebrates the opening of their new Flagship store on Fifth Avenue in New York.

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