Nicole Ritchie’s “Winter Kate” Collection

As I headed to Selfridges to attend the launch of Nicole Richie’s Spring 2010 collection, I must admit that each step I made was heavy with trepidation.  All I knew was that the womenswear label was called ‘Winter Kate’ and it was named after her two year old daughter Harlow Winter Kate. However I had my doubts, as I was tired of seeing the job of ‘fashion designer’ portrayed as the fall back career for every Tom, Dick and Lauren Conrad (feel free to insert your own reality TV ‘star’ name here- Whitney Port, The Kardashians, The Simmons…you get the drift).

However, once I saw Nicole Richie I let out a sigh of relief as she was wearing one of the pieces from her line; an oversized animal print tunic dress which she cleverly accessorized with a black fedora hat, black opaque tights and black platform stilettos, giving her a modern yet retro sexy appeal.

If I was told to summarise the look of the pieces that made up the ‘Winter Kate’ line, I would say ‘modern hippy deluxe’.  Looking at the collection made me want to play a 70’s disco track and transport myself to one of the Hollywood Über-cool mansion pool parties that were held in that era, where I could see myself gliding across the white marble floors wearing a kimono-style print silk maxi (my favourite piece), cocktail in one hand and the other snaked around my rock star boyfriend’s lean waist.

The collection included chiffon print blouses, suede waistcoats, vintage lace jackets and dresses that came in different lengths, shapes and prints.  The garments had a distinct vintage aesthetic but the inclusion of certain pieces like the slim fitted black leather jackets- gave this new line its modern and youthful relevance.  I am a huge fan of texture and this collection had it in abundance with pieces mainly comprising of cotton, silk, leather, lace and suede.   The dresses, blouses and cardigans came in beautiful paisley, floral and ethnic prints; with a lot of the pieces having frayed seemingly unfinished hemlines.

I believe that what makes this collection have ‘staying power’ is its versatility.  Although it had a strong and romantic vibe tinged with youthful innocence- think Little House on the Prairie; one could also use specific pieces to create an edgier look reminiscent of Kate Moss’s iconic festival looks by mixing the soft and feminine dresses with the harder pieces like the suede waistcoats.   In addition, the fluid kimono-styled jackets would work brilliantly well with a pair of structured skinnies and classic white vest.  I also love the way the easy to wear and simple nature of the garments make it easy for you to take the collection from spring to winter through artful layering.  Consequently, it is also easy to dress up or down with this line, which is what gives it its longevity.

There is no doubt that a brand heralded by a name like ‘Nicole Richie’ is going to guarantee that this collection gets a lot of fashion press, which will undoubtedly lead to the pieces being spotted on the PYT’s (Pretty Young Things) of Hollywood and beyond; however having seen the pieces first hand, I can take some comfort in knowing that it won’t be a case of ‘Much Ado About Nothing’.

www.selfridges.com

Event covered by Biki John