It was only a matter of time before Hollywood caught on to fashion’s best-kept secret.

In the past month, Charlize Theron, Nicole Richie and Faith Hill have all stepped out in Antonio Berardi. First, the Young Adult star wore a modern black-and-white stunner with the label’s trademark bodice detail on Dec. 9. Weeks later, House of Harlow’s creative director eschewed her own designs in favor of the brand’s beaded leggings and oversized blazer. Then, at Wednesday’s Peoples Choice Awards, performer Faith Hill selected his magenta pantsuit.

Gwyneth Paltrow may have put the British designer on the map back in 2008 when she wore his semi-sheer lace design. “When I tried this dress on, I was amazed by the construction and the uniqueness of it,” she said at the time. “It is one of the absolute favorite dresses I have worn.” Over the years, Berardi, who was once John Galliano‘s assistant, has solidified his reputation among Hollywood’s A-list with his romantic and sensual approach to design.

With the expected turnout at Sunday’s Golden Globe Awards, we wouldn’t be surprised if Berardi’s bold designs made an appearance on the red carpet, but for now… Tell us: Who do you think looks best in Antonio Berardi?

–Justine Harman

SEE IF YOU CAN PREDICT WHAT STARS WILL WEAR TO SUNDAY’S GOLDEN GLOBES!

We obviously love fashion, but the shows thrown our way — Project Runway, 24 Hour Catwalk, The Fashion Show – can sometimes leave our heads spinning (and our DVRs overfilled!). So why should we watch the upcoming NBC show Fashion Star? What makes the series — hosted by Elle MacPherson and featuring mentors Nicole Richie, Jessica Simpson and John Varvatos — that different than the rest?

“What makes the show so original is as America is watching the clothes go down the runway, they can order those clothes immediately online that night or go in the stores the next day and buy it,” Richie explains to FabSugar. “We’re talking about immediate fashion, accessible fashion, at an accessible price.”

Richie says she and her co-mentors — all heads of successful fashion lines — will err on the side of friendliness when critiquing the competing designers, too. “We are really leaving our personal opinions to ourselves,” she promises. “It’s about encouraging [the contestants] to go with their gut and know the business, and be fearless in the competition.” Reason enough to tune in? For sure!

Catch Fashion Star on March 13 at 9 p.m. EST on NBC. Tell us: Will you be watching?

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Despite the fact that Nicole Richie always looks perfect on the red carpet, she insists that when it comes to beauty, she’s hopeless.

“I actually don’t know how to put on makeup — at all,” she confesses to InStyle.com. “I have to get it done every time I want to wear makeup. I do not know how to wear it at all. It’s so bad.”

“I don’t even own it,” she continues. “I only own under-eye concealer, Maybelline mascara, and an eyelash curler.”

But Richie’s trademark off-duty look — funky separates and strategic oversized sunglasses — is usually punctuated with runway-ready tresses. Why? “I can do my own hair,” she explains.

–Justine Harman

VOTE ON MORE STAR BEAUTY LOOKS IN ‘WHAT’S HER BEST HAIR?’

Informed by India’s rich color palette, Nicole Richie‘s spring 2012 Winter Kate collection is a warm weather fantasy wardrobe. ”I’ve always loved the possibility of being able to transform yourself through fashion,” the creative director says in a release.

The mostly silk collection boasts exclusive patterns and cultural motifs, like the elephant God Ganesh. Highlights include patterned shifts and tunics, the asymmetrical “Jazbaa” dress (above left) and a rose-colored, multi-tiered “Kamala” frock, modeled after the traditional Indian sari.

The Far East-inspired ready-to-wear and accessories ($78-$695) will be available at high-end department stores and online at Shopbop.com starting mid-February. Tell us: What do you think of Richie’s latest collection?

–Justine Harman

SEE WHAT STARS ARE WEARING NOW IN ‘WINTER WORKOUT LOOKS’

As Paris Hilton‘s outspoken sidekick on The Simple Life, you’d be hard-pressed to find anyone who could predict Nicole Richie‘s longevity. However, the fashion magnate, who was recently named ‘Influencer of the Year’ by the Accessories Council, is a little clairvoyant herself.

“I went through a serious choker phase,” she tells FASHIONetc. “I have a feeling they are going to be making a comeback very soon. Mark my words!”

For Richie, who acts as creative director for lines Winter Kate and House of Harlow 1960, accessories signify more than just a moneymaker or an accolade accumulator. “Accessories speak volumes when it comes to a person’s wardrobe,” she explains, “especially when one is dressed down in jeans and T-shirt.”

Her motto? “There are no rules,” she says, which makes sense for a girl whose look is always evolving.”Yes, my style has changed,” she confesses, “but I have changed. It’s the natural process of becoming a woman. It’s not stopping here.”

For a behind-the-scenes look at Richie’s work day, check out this video of the Winter Kate spring 2012 look book shoot!

–Justine Harman

TREAT YOURSELF TO HOLIDAY GIFTS INSPIRED BY BEYONCÉ, GWYNETH AND MORE! 

It’s obvious Nicole Richie has a flair for fashion, and from the sounds of it, her sense of style was carefully cultivated by her dad, singer Lionel.

“When I was a little girl, my dad would have his costume designer that would make his tour outfits … make me matching outfits out of the excess fabric,” she tells FabSugar. “For whatever crazy rhinestone bell bottom outfit hat my dad was wearing with his big Afro, she would make me a dress out of it.”

Though she’s too big for those mini dresses now, she gets to design her own handbags and jewelry through her burgeoning line, House of Harlow 1960. And during a recent event at Fred Segal — where the brand has a holiday pop-up shop — Richie was happy to show off some of her newest creations.

“The arrows are my favorite,” she shares of a new assortment of accessories. “I’ve been wanting to do arrows for years now, so I’m happy that it’s all coming to life.” Same goes for her holiday collection. “The holidays are about being festive and celebrating life, and that’s really what we want to do with this collection,” she adds.

And while she is enjoying her design work, Richie says she doesn’t have plans to expand her line anytime soon. “It’s important for me to give each business its own identity, so I’ve really been taking my time and focusing on making each one the best version of itself,” she says. However, the thought is definitely on her mind. She hints, “I’ll probably wait a few seasons before expanding any more.”

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With her penchant for oversize sunglasses, sky-high heels and on-trend baubles, it’s understandable that the Accessories Council Excellence Awards named Nicole Richie its 2011 ‘Influencer of the Year.’

Less expected is the House of Harlow designer’s laid-back attitude toward personal style: “It’s not that deep for me,” she confesses to WWD. “It’s whatever I feel comfortable in at that time.”

A seasoned businesswoman, Richie’s first concern is the consumer. “To me, success isn’t measured by dollar signs,” she explains. “It’s really about paying attention to feedback and talking to my customer.”

And with an empire that includes jewelry, footwear, sunglasses and handbags, Richie refuses to expand for expansion’s sake. “With everything I do, I want to make sure that I take the time and make each category the best that it can be,” she continues. “I tend to move very slowly and I do that on purpose so that I can make sure that everything that I design really is the best version of what it is.”

But has the influencer always had a handle on personal style? “When I was a little girl, my mom used to always get us matching dresses for everything—so I was wearing the poufy skirt version of whatever my mom was wearing,” she laughs before adding, “I had the worst, hairiest eyebrows and a big afro.”

Doesn’t she know the bold brow is back?

–Justine Harman

FIENDING FOR FOOTWEAR? SHOP STARS’ HOTTEST FALL SHOES!

Looking to change your signature scent? Another starlet is throwing her hat into the ring of celebrity perfumers: Nicole Richie. The former reality star and current designer is following in the footsteps of Kim Kardashian, Taylor Swift, Katy Perry and a host of others, launching her own perfume in the near future.

“[Richie] has a wide breadth of creative talents being an author, a jewelry designer, a fashion designer and an aspirational figure,” TPR Holdings president Brian Robinson told WWD. Having 2.3 million Twitter followers helps her credibility in the style world, too. “They look favorably on her,” he added. “She’s done a great job with her image.”

Though very few details were revealed, Robinson, whose company holds the license for Richie’s upcoming scent, said the fragrance and packaging will reflect Richie’s “very distinct image,” and fans can expect a scent that will be “cool, classy and edgy.”

The star has been hard at work on her perfume; according to Robinson,”we have put together mood boards to get a feeling of where she sees herself positioned in the fragrance world.” Tell us: Are you excited for Richie’s first scent?

SHOP STARS’ SIGNATURE SCENTS

New season, new look! Nicole Richie took a few inches off her hair this week, debuting the new style at a party in Los Angeles.

“I felt like I wanted to take a little length off,” she told InStyle.com Tuesday. So how does she style the new do? “When I get out of the shower, I twist my hair and put it up,” she explained. “I let the roots air dry, then I take it down after a few hours. It creates a nice wave.”

The California blonde went brunette in 2009, changing back to golden locks in 2010 and chopping her hair later that year. Tell us: What do you think of Richie’s cut?

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Celebs have always looked to French label Isabel Marant for a boho take on casual dressing — hits from the past include ankle wrap “Gava” pumps and go-with-everything suede booties — but this week, the stars can’t get enough of the brand’s tribal-print separates!

On Sunday, Cheryl Cole paired $425 printed corduroy “Silo” skinnies with a cropped boucle jacket for a stylish jaunt through LAX. The next day, mama-to-be Hilary Duff topped the brand’s $1,170 georgette dress with a sculpted blazer for a visit to Good Morning America. Later that same day, Nicole Richie sported a pair of $660 “Renell” jeans with gladiator booties and all-black basics while out in L.A.

We’re thinking about adding some tribal prints to our wardrobe, but are a little sticker shy. Tell us: What do you think of stars’ new Marant tribal trend?

–Justine Harman

WEIGH IN ON MORE FASHION FADS IN: ‘WOULD YOU WEAR THESE TRENDS?’

Charlotte Ronson didn’t have to look far to find inspiration for her new beauty line. To introduce Charlotte Ronson Beauty — coming exclusively to Sephora this fall — the designer hosted an intimate dinner at Il Sole in Los Angeles Tuesday night with friends and family, some of whom are muses for the line.

“I’m always inspired by friends and family, that’s how you learn and these are the women in my day to day so it just made sense to name products after them,” Ronson told PEOPLE of friends including Nicole Richie, Rashida Jones and sister Samantha Ronson, all of whom inspired products.

The line, which features cosmetics, accessories and haircare, was a natural fit for the accomplished designer. “[Sephora] did beauty for my runway shows for the past couple of seasons and we connected and had the same vision,” Ronson said. “It has the feel of being based on a fashion brand.”

Made for ‘the girl on the go,’ the products are designed to go from day to night. “For me less is more always and I’m also about layering,” she shared. “A lot of the products you can use a little and it looks soft or you can really layer for the nighttime and really push it.”

And not surprisingly, Ronson’s work is already receiving raves. “I look up to her as an artist so much in general and what I do respect about her so much is that she doesn’t take on projects just to take on projects,” pal Richie told PEOPLE. “She really studies them and gets to know her craft and that is what she did with this makeup. When it finally came to life I was obviously so proud of her and honored that she asked me to take part in her collection.”

Charlotte Ronson Beauty is set to debut Sept. 15 and will feature new products each season.

–Michelle Ward

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She promised us purses, and purses she created. Nicole Richie officially unveiled the House of Harlow 1960 handbag collection today, and the options are plentiful — and pretty! Based on the line’s Bohemian vibe, the collection includes croc clutches, leather carry-alls and everything in between. According to a release, the concept behind the line was juxtaposing casual and luxury, combining relaxed vintage leathers with materials like young calf hair. Hardware also played a big role in the design; gold and black triangle studs frame some of the bigger bags, and jaguar heads close clutches. “I wanted to make sure that each piece is special and then be able to grow it slowly and organically season after season,” Richie told WWD of the new collection. “I always try to design pieces that are universal, meaning anyone can wear and carry it.” The bags, available at high-end department and specialty stores beginning in mid-July, will range in price from $150 to $625. Tell us: Will you carry a House of Harlow 1960 handbag?

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Hollywood’s sexiest starlets are on the prowl! Nicole Scherzinger and Kim Kardashian both got in touch with their wild sides recently, breaking out animal-print outfits for some fun in the sun. X Factor judge Scherzinger, at The Cosmopolitan’s Marquee Dayclub in Las Vegas to celebrate her 33rd birthday on Saturday, covered up poolside in a sexy, strapless tiger-print look by Elizabeth & James. Meanwhile, Kardashian sported a low-cut leopard-print jumpsuit while in New York City on Monday, where she reportedly visited Vera Wang at the designer’s Madison Avenue boutique to discuss wedding gowns. We think both ladies looked totally fierce, but what to know what you think. Tell us: Who wore her animal print better?

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When designer Charlotte Ronson created her latest I Heart Ronson for JCPenney collection, she wanted it to reflect warm-weather fun. “The inspiration for this line is summer picnic,” she told PEOPLE at a Svedka-sponsored bash celebrating the latest attire. “Summer florals, ginghams and maxi dresses, those kind of free-flowing styles you can wear from day to night. That is my philosophy for everything I design.” The line’s versatility was a big hit with stars like Nicole Richie, Ashlee Simpson and Jordana Brewster, who all came out to The Roosevelt Hotel’s Spare Room in support of Ronson. “You can pair [the dresses] with some flip flops and wear them during the day or dress them up at night with a pair of wedges and a fancy bag,” said Brewster. “They are seamless.” Being that it was June 21, the first day of summer, talk turned to this season’s fashion favorites. For a Ronson-clad Paris Hilton, that includes “definitely a bikini, pretty sandals, big hats and big sunglasses. I love Hervé Léger bikinis and Jimmy Choo sandals.” Sister Nicky Hilton prefers “Paige cut-off shorts, a cute top, rompers, gladiator sandals and wedges,” she told PEOPLE. Maybe with some I Heart Ronson thrown in, for a walk through the city streets? “I’m from New York and that’s where I know Charlotte from,” she said. “It’s a very New York cool downtown vibe.” –Michelle Ward

SEE CELEBS’ SEXIEST SUMMER TRENDS!

Nicole Richie knows a thing or two about fashion; she’s the head of her own mini fashion empire and we just love her breezy street style. So when we spoke to her recently at Nordstrom Fashion Island in Newport Beach, Calif., we had to ask, “What should every girl have this summer?” Richie, who says she designs for “a multitasking woman that likes to have fun with fashion but wears it with ease at the same time,” offered up her top summer must-haves in reply:

The perfect bag. “I would say a good, big beach-bag,” says Richie. “I love the big Goyard bags.” And when it comes to purses, the designer knows a thing or two. Of her upcoming handbag line, she shares, “We have a lot of clutches and different styles … some fun leathers and skins.”

Sweet shades. A great pair of sunglasses is a necessity for the California girl. “I’m wearing my House of Harlow Chelsea ones a lot right now,” she says. “They’re big, huge, huge frames. Those have been really fun, so I’ve been wearing them a lot lately.” To pick the perfect pair of sunglasses, the fashionista says that “it’s important to know what’s good on your face.”

Good tunes. “My iPod is what I need always,” she emphasizes. “I always need my summer playlist.” The designer admits one accessory she lacks is a case for her most important gadget. “I don’t have a cute iPod case … maybe that should be the next step, designing iPod cases,” she jokes.

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Summer scarves. Richie is known for her boho-chic style, so it’s no surprise she’s a fan of scarves. “I have headscarves with me all the time just because I’m at the beach and sometimes just can’t do my hair,” she says. “So it’s easy for me to just throw on a headscarf.”

Sense of self. And Richie’s most important fashion tip? “I would say to just be yourself and know your body and know what looks good on you and what doesn’t,” she advises. “Don’t always just follow trends. Stay true to yourself.”

Tell us: What are your summer must-haves? –Jessica Wedemeyer
SEE SUMMER-READY STARS IN ‘BEACH PATROL: SPRING BREAK’

When it comes to the fashion industry, Nicole Richie has her bases covered. The former reality star’s burgeoning fashion empire already includes ready-to-wear, jewelry, eyewear and footwear lines, and the designer plans to launch a line of handbags this fall. “It’s important for me to give each one its own identity and really focus on what I want that specific collection to mean,” she told PEOPLE at Nordstrom Fashion Island in Newport Beach while promoting the arrival of her Winter Kate and House of Harlow 1960 footwear collections to Nordstrom stores. “My main goal for this particular collection — and for all the footwear that I design — is I want the shoes to look great but be comfortable at the same time,” she said. “No matter how high the heels are within the collection, they’re all very, very easy to walk in, which is something that’s extremely important to me.” The collection features wedges, a favorite of the designer’s, and peep-toe pumps in diversified colors and styles. “I’m a girl, and I love shoes,” she said of her decision to begin designing footwear. “Who doesn’t want to make exactly what you want?” –Jessica Wedemeyer

SEE MORE HOT STAR STYLE IN ‘WOULD YOU WEAR THESE TRENDS?’

Don’t have a dress for prom yet? No problem! Nicole Richie is auctioning off the gold velvet Winter Kate gown model Britt Maren wore to the Metropolitan Museum Costume Institute Gala last week. Starting today at 12 p.m. ET, the velvet Alexander McQueen-inspired stunner will be up for grabs, with bids starting at $500. Proceeds from the sale will benefit the Richie Madden Children’s Foundation. If you have your eye on Maren’s custom House of Harlow 1960 headpiece or Richie’s sparkling baubles, however, it seems you’re out of luck. Reps for House of Harlow 1960 tell us that the stars’ diamond accessories, the brand’s first foray into fine jewelry, were created specifically for the Met Gala. But if your dreams aren’t completely dashed, head on over to eBay now to stake claim on your very own piece of fashion history! –Justine Harman

SEE ALL THE STARS AT THE MET GALA HERE!

When model Britt Maren ascends the staircase at tonight’s Costume Institute Gala, she will sport a custom dress by a well-known designer: Nicole Richie! After revealing to WWD that the Winter Kate dress is “pretty major,” reps confirm to PEOPLE that in addition to designing for Maren, Richie will also attend the event alongside her model muse. When she debuted Winter Kate in 2009, Richie told PEOPLE she was inspired by the 1960s and ’70s, plus music and people of the past. This year’s Met Ball will honor one such individual, the late Alexander McQueen, whose unique aesthetic had a veritable impact on Richie’s design process. “McQueen was such a visionary,” Richie tells PEOPLE of the couturier, whose eponymous collection was worn by newlywed Kate Middleton. “It would be hard not to find elements of the dress I designed for Britt Maren in one McQueen dress or collection.” And while the Winter Kate brand is steadily gaining traction (with Richie herself as a ubiquitous ambassador), tonight will mark the first time Richie attends the Vogue-hosted gala in an official designer capacity. Tell us: Are you excited to see Maren’s Winter Kate gown? And don’t forget to visit PEOPLE StyleWatch tonight for all the latest from the 2011 Met Ball! –Justine Harman

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When it comes to fashion, Nicole Richie knows what she likes and what she doesn’t. And when it comes to accessories, she says there are a few essentials that can make or break a look. The stylish star tells teenvogue.com that sunglasses are a vital part of completing any ensemble. “I view them as fun masks to accessorize your face,” say Richie, who admits to owning more than 200 pairs. “But in my defense,” she says, laughing, “I make sunglasses, so I have to research-shop, and I own every pair I’ve ever designed.” And even when she’s putting together a simple look like basic jeans and a T-shirt (her go-to outfit), the Winter Kate and House of Harlow 1960 designer says, “you change the look with accessories. And by accessories, I mean sunglasses, head scarves, shoes, bed jackets.” But just because she’s a fashion guru doesn’t mean she will wear anything to look trendy. “Comfort takes precedence for me,” she says, showing off her killer high heels as proof. “These are superhigh, but because they have a built-in platform, they don’t feel like it. I am not that girl who can do superarched heels,” she says. “All the shoes I design have a cushion and a platform.”  Sunglasses and comfy heels? We can handle that. Tell us: What’s your most important accessory? –Kim Peiffer

SEE WHAT ELSE STARS CAN’T GET ENOUGH OF IN ‘I REALLY LOVE MY…’

The stars made a stylish impression this weekend at hip California music festival Coachella — and they even found time in their busy concert-going schedules to have some fashionable fun! A handful of stars popped into an exclusive pool party barbecue at the Parker Hotel in Palm Springs on Saturday to celebrate the Autumn/Winter 2011 Mulberry collection. Nicole Richie, wearing the brand’s “Annie” blouse and toting the pheasant green “Heritage Bayswater” satchel, was joined by other stars like Camilla Belle, Alexa Chung (who has a Mulberry bag named after her) and Eliza Doolittle, and enjoyed a summery spread of jumbo crab and sweet corn sliders, chicken kabobs, mini fish tacos and French fries and cocktails like woodland-inspired berry mojitos. The poolside party was decked out with beach balls, plus toadstools, trees and other elements from the fashion brand’s recent catwalk show. Coachella, which ran Friday, Saturday and Sunday, drew a multitude of stars, including Katy Perry, Rihanna, Usher, Joe Jonas, Kelly Osbourne and Gossip Girl‘s Penn Badgley and Jessica Szohr. –Kim Peiffer
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