Nicole Richie serves as celebrity mentor on "Fashion Star," NBC's latest reality competition series that will search for the next great brand.

Richie, a native Californian, was born and raised in Los Angeles where she was surrounded by garbs and costumes - all of which allowed her to develop an appreciation for fashion at an early age. This is one of the primary reasons that the Winter Kate House of Harlow 1960 collection was born. The Winter Kate House of Harlow 1960 company was founded by Nicole Richie in 2009 in partnership with Majestic Mills (apparel) and Modern Vintage (accessories).

Her premier clothing collection, Winter Kate, recently launched its Spring 2011 collection globally along with her premier sunglasses collection under her existing label House of Harlow 1960. House of Harlow 1960 (launched in 2008) also continues its suc¬cessful jewelry and shoe collection.

Richie could last be seen on the small screen guest starring for the second time on the NBC series "Chuck." Her other TV credits include guest appearances on "Eve," "Rock Me Baby," "Six Feet Under" and "American Dreams." Her feature-film credits include a cameo appearance in Wes Craven's "Cursed" and a role in the feature "Kids in America."

Currently, Richie also spends much of her time working with The Richie-Madden Children's Foundation (RMCF). Launched in December 2007 in honor of the birth of Harlow, Nicole Richie and Joel Madden's daughter, RMCF provides meaningful opportunities to children around the world, and also strives to bring light and laughter into their lives through unique entertainment and special events.

RMCF has partnered with the non-profit organization, Beyond Shelter, in creating an annual fundraiser as well as media events related to youth homelessness. It has developed a media project to raise awareness and inspire action among teenage girls. Richie and Madden, along with their family, aim to use their place in pop culture to raise awareness about the domestic and international issues endangering children, to highlight the organizations that are making a positive impact, and to inspire others, especially young people, to get involved.

Richie also serves on the board of the Environmental Media Association, and supports other charities including The Young Musicians Fund, The Art of Elysium and The Race to Erase MS. She was recently honored by A Place Called Home for her philanthropic efforts.

In addition to acting, designing, and being a philanthropist, Richie wrote and released the best-selling book for Harper Collins in 2005, "The Truth About Diamonds." She wrote and released her second novel, "Priceless," in 2010.

Richie currently resides in Los Angeles.

Find out more about Nicole and Fashion Star at www.nicolerichie.com.