Nicole Richie Talks Big D Fashion

The actress/designer on motherhood, fashion missteps and her new spring collection.

She’s definitely not a diva.

In town for just hours, Nicole Richie stole a few peaceful moments yesterday before greeting hundreds of fans at Neiman Marcus NorthPark.  Larger than life to many young fashionistas, the actress/designer is pretty and petite in person – not just skinny, but truly petite.  Boho-chic as ever, she was clad in a comfortable ensemble of grey jeans and a floor-length white silk vest.

While ‘friendly’ might not be the first word that comes to mind when you think of the outspoken California girl we first met on "The Simple Life," Richie was just that, and maybe even a bit reserved.  She sipped coffee (cream, no sugar) while chatting with us about her brand-new clothing line, Winter Kate, as well as motherhood, fashion missteps and Dallas style.

NBCDFW:  Tell us a little about Winter Kate.
NR: 
“The spring collection is inspired by the 60’s and the 70’s.  I’m a huge fan of that era.  I love the music, and more importantly, I really love the fashion.  I feel like the word ‘clashing’ just didn’t exist back then.  They were just not afraid to [mix] the most elaborate prints with bright, bold colors." 

“Especially with the kimonos and the bed jackets that are in the spring line, to me it was just important that you could throw on something over jeans and a t-shirt, that it was your ‘statement piece’, but that it was extremely easy to wear at the same time.”

NBCDFW:  What is one piece of your wardrobe that you would deem ‘indispensible’?
NR:
  “I’m a huge collector of vintage kimonos, so I would say those.”

NBCDFW:  Who are your style icons?
NR:
  “It’s so hard to say. I really admire anyone who is confident enough to know who they are and express themselves, and not really care about what trends are happening or what’s cool and what’s not.”

NBCDFW:  Has motherhood changed your style perspective?
NR: 
“It’s funny, because I’ve always been one to dress for comfort.  I’ve never been one to sacrifice being comfortable for fashion.  I admire people that have the discipline to do that – I just don’t.  So, it really hasn’t changed my style at all.”

NBCDFW:  In your opinion, what is the biggest style mistake that people make?
NR: 
“I’m sure it’s different for everyone.  I think it’s important to know your body, and know what looks good on you and what doesn’t.  There are plenty of things that are extremely fashionable right now that I can’t wear, because it’s just not who I am. I just think it’s important for people to be themselves.”

NBCDFW:  What’s coming up next from you, as a designer?
NR:
  “We have fall coming out, and we’re adding bottoms. And then, [for] House of Harlow accessories, I now do shoes, so we’re expanding into that.”

NBCDFW:  Finally, how do think our style here in Dallas differs from the rest of the country?
NR: 
“I don’t think it’s that different.  I love Dallas, I love coming here.  I think it’s a lot of fun.  I wouldn’t say that there is a different [style] vibe, as a whole.”

Winter Kate by Nicole Richie includes camisoles, kimonos, jackets and more.  Shop the line at Neiman Marcus and other retailers.

Copyright FREEL - NBC Local Media
Contact Us