We sat down with the pink-haired pixie for a (very) quick chat during her whirlwind Sydney visit for Golden Slipper Day.
There are a lot of things you expect of Nicole Richie—after all, she’s a woman who wears many hats. She helms her own label House of Harlow 1960, is the star of web series #CandidlyNicole, a mum of two, wife of honorary Aussie Joel Madden and is now also the international ambassador for Golden Slipper Day at Sydney’s Rosehill Gardens (and will be judging the Myer Fashions on the Field).
What you might not expect of the elf-like, ethereal beauty is her warm, down-to-earth nature—this, despite a day of back-to-back (five-minute-and-not-a-second-more) interviews. And while many subjects were off limits, she was exuberant as she talked about fashion, racing and adulthood. (And FYI, our interview clocked in at 5.02 minutes so we have a whole two seconds extra Nicole for you.)
This is a very short trip. Are you happy to be back in Australia?
“I am, I am! I’m here all the time so it really feels like a second home to me. Plus, the weather is beautiful so I’m very happy.”
Did you watch any good movies on your flight over?
“I watched Interstellar, which happens to be one of my favourites. I had also pre-downloaded five episodes of Scandal because I wanted to catch up but I didn’t actually press download. So I got on the plane and I was ready to go and I couldn’t watch them. I had to wait until I got here so I caught up last night.”
I love that show!
“Don’t get me started. I’ll talk for ages.”
Okay let’s change the topic. In your last interview with InStyle (for our September 2012 issue), you said you find it hard to see yourself as an adult. Do you still struggle with that?
“[Laughs] Yes! Sometimes. I was just talking about this recently actually because I’m moving into homewares with House of Harlow and the reason I’m doing that is because there are a lot of women at this turning point and I’ve been one of them. I was stepping into my thirties and buying my first real home and I would look at someone like Martha Stewart and think, ‘Oh, I’m never going to be like her. Fail!’. But that’s not necessarily the case. I was always very intimidated by the feeling that I’m never going to be in that position or be that person but now I’m empowered by it. It’s something a lot of women are going through so that’s why I’m starting to move into homewares. I think it’s important.”
Our readers love strong women like yourself. How important are good female friendships to you?
“I grew up in LA so most of my friends have been my friends since I was two years old. I have this group of girlfriends that are basically family to me. They have seen me through everything from my fourth birthday to school and to my teen years. It’s been a great source of stability for me. They play a huge role in my life.”
Let’s talk fashion. What are you looking for when you judge the Myer Fashions on the Field? Is there a perfect racewear outfit?
“I’m looking for women who are ready to have fun with fashion and use it as a form of self-expression. I want to see women have some excitement behind their choices and really go there, live in the moment and take advantage of this day where you can step out of your comfort zone.”
Do you have any fashion don’ts?
“I don’t believe in fashion don’ts. I guess, just don’t fall into the trend, just be you.”
Have you chosen your outfit for tomorrow?
“I have but it’s a surprise.”
I was hoping you wouldn’t say that.
“[Laughs] I know! I’m sorry.”
What’s the best piece of fashion advice you’ve ever been given?
“I don’t think I’ve been given this advice but it’s just what I feel. I think you just need to let go of trends and go with what makes you feel most confident because that’s what is going to look the best on you.”
Okay last question. You’re in a crazy hurry, what’s your go-to outfit?
“Are we talking morning or afternoon? Because that makes a huge difference.”
Let’s go with morning…
“Okay in the morning I get in touch with my inner Aussie and I get into a luxury loungewear kind of vibe. I’ve got some great cashmere sweats and that’s my ‘leave my house before 7am to drop the kids at school’ outfit. But for the afternoon, I’m really just a jeans and T-shirt kind of girl.”
You’d fit in perfectly here! We’ll have to make you an honorary Aussie.
“Yes! I do love it here. I’d love that.”
Mar 19, 2015 – InStyle Australia – Written by Jessica Wilkinson
