Christina Geyer | Photos by Jason Wynn
- Posted:
- August 20, 2012
- Event Date:
- March 04, 2010
More than 600 partygoers buzzed around Neiman Marcus NorthPark, anxiously awaiting any sign of the Hollywood starlet mentioned on their invitation. At the party co-hosted by PaperCity magazine, celebutante and clothing designer Nicole Richie flew in to launch her new fashion collection, Winter Kate, meet and greet swarming fans, and sign the latest Fashion Rules! puzzle.
Blues Lounge Bash
Per NM VP and fashion director Ken Downing's declaration that navy, cobalt and turquoise are chic for spring, the designer sportswear salon on the third floor was transformed into a fashionable blues lounge for a swank pre-party — a hub for those wanting a sip of bubbly before meeting Miz Richie. PaperCity co-editor Brooke Hortenstine hosted this smart little soirée where socials sipped Nicolas Feuillatte One Fo(u)r Brut from petite blue champagne bottles and munched mini-burger sliders and cerulean candied popcorn. "I have to go downstairs and see the collection," said Hassie Harrison before spotting the honoree of the evening. Richie appeared from a back dressing room in gray skinny jeans, a black-and-white kimono-style top and platforms, and parted the pre-party sea of fans to ride the main escalator down to the second floor. Elena and Steven Boss, Mary-Jane Harris, Emily Steed, and Steve Kmetz followed close behind.
Celebrity Jigsaw
On level two, the lengthy queue for those wanting Richie to sign their Fashion Rules! puzzles wrapped through the racks of fashion, around the cases of sparkling baubles and in between tables of designer handbags. "We bought three!" said Paige Lane of the game depicting makeup artist and photographer Mathu Andersen's portrait of Richie channeling Twiggy à la 1966. Richie took her seat at a table surrounded by a wall of ivy foliage, adjacent to models and racks showcasing her hippie-chic Winter Kate collection, and greeted the swarm armed with iPhone and BlackBerry cameras. Amy Power, Renee Rouleau, Amber Venz, Elizabeth Rhoades, Jon Tutulo, Courtney Sinelli, Katelin Smith, John Rasch, and Kary Brittingham all pondered staking a spot in the signing line. Doris Jacobs was sandwiched in, waiting for Richie's signature all in the name of fashion. "I just thought it was a fun idea,” said Jacobs. “It's such a fashion statement.”
Our Brooke Hortenstine sat down with demure designer Nicole Richie to talk kimonos and Winter Kate before Richie faced her mass of adoring fans.
How involved are you in the design process of your clothing and accessory lines?
NR: I design it, I do everything.
A must-have item from Winter Kate?
NR: The kimonos because they’re great pieces to throw on over jeans, over anything. You can make it your statement piece — it’s so easy to wear.
How did your collection land in the venerable Neiman Marcus?
NR: I created a dream list, and Neiman Marcus was at the top of that list. It’s a huge honor for me to be at Neiman’s — I’ve been shopping here with my mom since I was little.
What’s next?
NR: I’m expanding into shoes with House of Harlow, and eventually to bags.
Anything different regarding your own style after having two babies?
NR: I’ve always dressed for comfort, so I would say my style has stayed the same.
Your shoes don’t look very comfortable …
NR: Well, you know …