To cash in on their fame and influence, celebrities can now set their sights a little higher than the usual endorsement deals. The last few years have seen a growing number of would-be brand ambassadors announced with a grandiose title that suggests new levels of authority, that of “creative director.”

Brands have been adding celebrities to the creative payroll since at least 2009, when Lindsay Lohan began her disastrous and short-lived stint as “artistic advisor” to the French fashion house of Ungaro. But in 2021, the promotions really piled up: British Love Island contestant Molly-Mae Hague parlayed a string of successful collaborations into a creative directorship at PrettyLittleThing; Kendall Jenner took on the role at luxury e-commerce site FWRD; Cardi B joined Playboy as i...