Nicole Richie's latest collection inspired Down Under

Nicole Richie will expand her designing skills into her autumn 13 House of Harlow 1960 footwear collection.Photo / AFP

Nicole Richie says her latest design collection is inspired by her travels to Australia and the Caribbean.

The reality TV star-turned-fashion designer is well known for creating collections that reflect her own personal tastes, including her love of music which helps inspire her accessory line House of Harlow.

Richie says she will now be expanding her designing skills into her autumn 13 House of Harlow 1960 footwear collection, which will show how her jet-setting lifestyle has played a part in shaping the upcoming season's offering.

"I've pretty much been everywhere this year, [including] Australia and the Caribbean,'' Richie told WWD.

"You are definitely going to see, [reflected in] the beading and the artwork, my inspiration from travel.''

Last year Richie, along with children Harlow and Sparrow, were based in Sydney for couple of months while her husband Joel Madden was filming The Voice.

Richie also spoke to WWD about her role in the second season mentoring on US reality design TV series Fashion Star.

The mother-of-two shared some of the advice she offers the emerging talent that she coaches through the early stages of their fashion careers.

As well as sharing what she knows about the fashion industry with the up-and-coming designers, the style icon said that they serve as a source of inspiration for her when it comes to the challenges involved in designing seasonal lines.

"I am always encouraging my customer [or emerging talent] to let go of trends and really just dress for themselves, be inspired by whatever they are inspired by and express themselves through fashion,'' she said.

"I view challenges as positives, and it's all about learning and growing. You have to study your craft, and I'm learning every day.''

Richie is set to expand her House of Harlow label to stretch into international markets this year. She will also design a clothing collection as an extension to her brand as a result of the growing success of her style input. The designer said the main thing that is important for her when it comes to fashion is the fun factor.

"You have to be able to have fun and take risks,'' Richie said about her attitude to designing, which is also how she approaches her role on Fashion Star, where the fun factor is of the upmost importance.

"I cry from laughter every single day. I'm easy to please [when it comes to having fun].''

- COVER MEDIA