Nicole Richie's Next Project: Shoe Designer

[stateofbliss]

Soon you’ll be able to channel style icon Nicole Richie from head to toe — at least as far as accessories are concerned. Following the success of her line of headbands and jewelry, the star has just inked a deal to design footwear, WWD reports. Partnering with the manufacturers who produce Modern Vintage shoes and Earnest Sewn jeans, Richie will add a line of around 20 shoe styles to her House of Harlow 1960 label for spring of 2010, as well as bags, belts and small accessories. And according to business partner Rick Cytrynbaum, Richie will have creative control at every level of the design process. “Nicole is designing everything herself,” he says. “She’s totally devoted to this, and we’re creating a whole lifestyle around her aesthetic and what is true to her.”
http://www.peoplestylewatch.com/people/stylewatch/0,,,00.html

WWD article:
Nicole Richie has more than one new baby on the way.

The reality TV star and fashion darling has entered into a multiproduct, multiyear licensing agreement with manufacturers Rick and Brian Cytrynbaum — who own multiple brands including Modern Vintage shoes and Earnest Sewn jeans.

Richie's debut House of Harlow 1960 lifestyle line, which will bow in spring '10, will include about 20 footwear styles, as well as a small assortment of apparel, bags, sunglasses, belts and other small accessories.

According to Rick Cytrynbaum, Richie has had complete creative control from day one. “Nicole is designing everything herself. She’s totally devoted to this, and we’re creating a whole lifestyle around her aesthetic and what is true to her,” he told FN. Richie will be on hand at FFANY in New York for the line’s debut and will also be making in-store appearances for the line when it hits stores. While price points are still to be determined, Cytrynbaum said the items will hit contemporary price points and will be available at select department stores and independents that he has worked closely with in the past.

“Retailers that have been good to Modern Vintage will be getting first dibs,” he joked. “We’re being very selective. We’re only inviting a handful of our best accounts with our other brands to view the line. We don’t want to be everything to everybody [with this brand].” Though he declined to disclose sales projections, Cytrynbaum was bullish on the line’s potential, based, he said, on Richie’s status in the fashion industry. “Nicole Richie is by far one of America's biggest fashion icons right now. We’re investing millions into this brand. This is like nothing out there right now.”

Looking ahead, Cytrynbaum said the brand would always be open to expansion opportunities into other categories.

 

[leyla m.]

does her line have a website?

 

[Meg]

I don't think so. Nicole just started her personal website, so I think everything related to House of Harlow can be found there.

To be honest, I'm not crazy about the way she is moving forward with this. With someone who has some legitimate cred in the fashion world, I wish she had taken more of a Row approach. Not in terms of pricing or style, but done a small, capsule collection carried in a few, high end stores and expanded from there. Starting a licensing deal, retailing at Kitson, and then expanding your collection a year later just doesn't bode well. I'm curious to see how it turns out

 

[leyla m.]

ive been watching over house of halrow and think it is getting good(no?)
the whole line seems to be done under Mouawads wings so i wonder if she has another producer in mind for the shoes?
i need to contact her sales person

 

[Meg]

There is probably more debate about the line in the thread for it, but personally I find the designs a bit basic. And selling them at Kitson puts it in the realm of 'celeb' line. The article above says it's a licensing deal, and the people behind it also run Earnest Sewn and Modern Vintage (never heard of the latter. But could just be my own ignorance). So I don't believe it's the same guy behind her jewelry line.