A hybrid of American socialite and self-made mogul, Nicole Richie has morphed into a fashion industry darling by staying true to one philosophy: play by your own rules. The daughter of music legend Lionel Richie, Nicole fuels her predisposed artistic nature through the creative direction of House of Harlow 1960 (HOH1960), a lifestyle brand named after her daughter.
When it comes to channeling inspiration for the collection that includes everything from jewelry to shoes to sunglasses, Nicole, who is the wife to Good Charlotte front man Joel Madden, affirms that “everything starts with music. I’m a huge fan of the music of ’60s and the ’70s, so classic rock is something I listen to every day. My team and I work in a very creative space. We’ll listen to music and throw out design ideas.”
If you’re hoping for a sighting of Nicole’s iconic bohemian flair at this year’s music festivals, hang tight! The seasoned TV star is in the midst of production for an unscripted reality show premiering on July 17 on VH1 called #CandidlyNicole, based on her comical AOL web series.
“I don’t think I’m going to make Coachella this year because I am filming my new show,” says the former judge of NBC’s Fashion Star. “My dad’s playing Bonnaroo and I want to go. I’m hoping that I can at least go up for the day; it’ll be a last-minute thing, but that’s my wish for this summer.”
Much of Nicole’s personal style comes alive in the designs for HOH1960, which gives her creative point of view a real authenticity. Being surrounded by a dynamic team that truly understands her approach to fashion is key, too.
“Knowing your team is so important to the creative process, in terms of making sure that they understand who you are and share your vision on some level,” says Nicole. “From there, it’s about giving new life to a brand every season, yet keeping the same signature. Spring is a big season for me, as we just launched apparel and I wanted the entire line to feel very free‑spirited and relaxed, yet still timeless.”
A few of of the most noted signature shapes in the jewelry collection include the sunburst, the zigzag and the pyramid. But just how did those motifs find their way into the line? “Jewelry was my first category for House of Harlow, and I worked very closely with designer Shelly Gibbs [for the launch]. I’ve known Shelly since I was a teenager, and we were pulling pieces way before the brand even started,” adds the style a-lister.
“I was traveling with my husband on tour, and I would go to different kiosks, different stands, anywhere from Thailand to South Africa, always trying to find something that inspired. For some reason, the sunburst, triangle and angular shapes always pulled me in. It’s something that just captured me, so we put it in the line in the first season, and it’s never left, and it’s become such a major part of House of Harlow.”
In 2010, after only launching the label a mere two years prior, Nicole captured the award for Entrepreneur of the Year at Glamour magazine’s noted Women of the Year annual celebration.
“I’m a firm believer in taking risks and stepping out of your comfort zone,” says the seasoned cover model. “It’s important to have fun with fashion, and recognize that it is a way of communicating and self‑expression. Whoever you feel you are is who you absolutely should be.”
Be free to be you in House of Harlow 1960.
Apr 11, 2014 – Nordstrom – Written by Qianna Smith
