She may be petite, but Nicole Richie packs a lot of punch, as was demonstrated by the huge crowd that gathered early Thursday evening for a chance to catch a glimpse of the TV darling turned designer. As the ever-growing line of fans wound around Neiman Marcus NorthPark, PinkMemo got to pop upstairs and have a private chat with Richie, who talked about her passion for fashion, and how she put her heart and soul into it all. The eloquent and poised fashionista has successfully shed her party girl persona and committed herself to her first true love – well, after the husband and kids – fashion.

PinkMemo: How did the new line come about?

Nicole Richie: I have always wanted to design, and I’ve been wanting to do this for such a long time – it’s just a huge part of my heart and soul. I talked to my partners, Rick and Brian, and we sat together and talked about what we wanted to do and went from there.

PM: How did you come up with the name Winter Kate?

NR: They’re the middle names of my daughter, plus I just think it just sounds nice and rolls off the tongue.

PM: What was your inspiration for this collection (Spring)?

NR: Well, it’s based on the 60s and 70s, which I am such a huge fan of. I just love that time in fashion.

PM: What are your favorite pieces – though I know that may be like asking which is your favorite child!

NR: I really love the kimonos and bed jackets. They are such beautiful statement pieces – with elaborate prints, beautiful colors and interesting, flow-y shapes  – you can just throw them on over a t shirt and a pair of jeans and they make it so much more interesting.

PM: Who are your favorite designers? Who inspires you?

NR: Honestly, I just have a lot of respect for fashion designers in general. It takes so much work and dedication to come up with your designs and come up with your own distinct look and carry on with it for years and years. It takes a lot to separate yourself from your own designs.

PM: Did working on your lines give you a new found appreciation for the hard work it takes?

NR: Oh it was so hard! Not that I didn’t love and appreciate every minute of it, I put my heart and soul into designing the line, but it took A LOT of time and energy.

PM: Do you have a go-to outfit or wardrobe staple?

NR: I’m a jeans and T shirt kind of girl. I like to just throw on a great pair of jeans and a T, but we make these camis that have a little lace across the chest, and they’re a little more than just a plain t shirt. I wear that almost everyday now (she was wearing it then!) and then just put on some heels and a little jacket.

PM: Is that jacket your wearing Winter Kate? (Nicole was wearing a beautiful, draped white kimono with black lining).

NR: Yes, but it’s from the Fall line so it’s just a preview, you can’t buy it right now.

PM: Darn! So what kind of woman wears Winter Kate?

NR: I really think, and hope, that there is a piece for everyone. The kimonos and bed jackets are really elaborate and they make a big statement, so I think you need to be a little more experimental and out there in your fashion to wear them, but then there are simple staples like great little vests or the cami that anyone can easily wear everyday and be comfortable in.

PM: What is your first fashion memory?

NR: I guess it would have to be when I would go on tour with my dad as a little girl. I always wanted to dress like him, so when his costume designer fitted him for tour outfits, she would fit me at the same time.

PM: So she would make you an exact mini-copy of your dad’s outfits? That is too cute!

NR: Haha, yes, I liked to match him.

What could be more aww-inducing than a tiny Nicole prancing around backstage in a daddy-and-me outfit?

Accessories, shoes, a maternity line, and now apparel – Richie is building herself an empire, and we can’t wait to see what’s next.

www.winterkate.com

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