Ms. Tam in her designer duds

Stardoll, an online fashion site for girls aged 9-17, formed a promotional partnership with fashion designer Vivienne Tam.

Members may dress their avatars in clothing from Vivienne Tam's Spring 2008 fashion line. Tam, whose likeness can also be dressed by aspiring fashion designers, agreed to conduct live online chats with users and judge a virtual fashion show.

"I grew up cutting and sewing my own clothes, using whatever I could find to create the designs," she said. "Stardoll … is an exciting way to reach out to and communicate with millions of fashion-minded girls."

Tam will work with the site to unveil a new line every season. All "virtual couture" will be available for purchase at Stardoll's StarPlaza shopping mall.

The liaison represents growing interest among fashion icons in making themselves more accessible to online fans that lack haute couture budgets. Vera Wang, for example, recently became a guest blogger on Brides.com. In addition to promoting her new wedding website, she also dispenses thoughts and advice among new brides.