Nicole Richie talks Winter Kate apparel line

Nicole Richie is expanding her fashion empire.

After the launch in 2008 of her successful House of Harlow 1960 jewelry line, Richie is expanding with a Winter Kate apparel line in stores Feb. 15 and shoes for House of Harlow in mid-March.

A fashion line “was always something that was a long-term plan. I’ve always known I wanted to design clothes,” Richie says. “You really have to put all of your time and effort into it. That’s why I didn’t start with clothing, because I didn’t have the time.”

Richie is known for her bohemian chic aesthetic, which includes flowing maxi dresses, comfy leggings, hippie headbands and printed scarves. Yet she says motherhood has not influenced her easygoing style.

“I’ve always been one to dress for comfort. I’m not one to wear something that I don’t feel good in,” she says. Comfort “was really important for me, especially doing a spring line. For me, I really don’t like to feel like I’m wearing anything” during the spring and summer months.

Winter Kate, fashioned after Harlow’s middle names, features about 40 items, including some macramé pieces, which point to a level of intricacy and detail Richie says was key to her creativity.

“I 100% designed everything. Colors, cuts, fabrics. I would never put my name on something I wouldn’t wear myself. That’s why it’s taken me this long to have my line come out. … I do respect designers that go in it for the long haul and don’t do things that are trendy.”

The line will be carried in high-end stores such as Neiman Marcus, Intermix and Bloomingdale’s, but Richie emphasizes affordability.

“Everything is extremely affordable, and that was important to me, to have these pieces be accessible to everyone,” she says. Items from Winter Kate will retail from $68 for a tank top to $1,375 for a suede vest, and House of Harlow shoes range from $158 for a flat sandal to $275 for a suede boot.

Ultimately, Richie says, she wants to create timeless fashion and continue to work hard at all of her endeavors, which also include a half-hour sitcom in development for ABC.

“I just want to do my upcoming projects to the best of my ability. I’ve got a lot of work ahead of me.”

Source: USA Today