My Secret Life: Nicole Richie

(Jack Guy/Corbis Outline)

My parents were... and still are, my inspiration. My mum has been a big influence. I remember sitting in her bathtub while she would be getting ready for the Grammy Awards - or whatever event she was going to - and I'd watch her get dressed and think her fashion sense was so cool. That made the biggest imprint on me — I would just look up at her and want to be pretty, wear makeup and get dressed up.

You wouldn't know it but I'm very good at... organising myself and others. I'm a Virgo and I'm really good at scheduling and need to know every single inch of everything that's going on.

You wouldn't know it but I'm no good at... being cold.

When I was a child I wanted to be... I grew up surrounded by amazing performers so I was very influenced by that, but ever since I was a teenager I wanted to do a clothing range. I used to stick photos of inspiration to my walls, it's amazing to see all the ideas come to life after wanting it for so long.

My favourite item of clothing... how to choose! I'm a huge collector of vintage kimonos, so I would have to say one of those.

I wish I'd never worn ... I love to look at old pictures, make fun of myself and say: 'How embarrassing was this? How embarrassing was that?' It's fun and part of looking back at who you were. It's all part of how my personal style evolved and at the time I wouldn't have worn it unless I liked it. It's important to remain true to your style and have faith in your taste even when others don't agree.

My secret crush... wouldn't be a secret if I told you guys!

My house is... covered in my clothes! When I'm thinking about designing my range, I pull out all my shoes, clothes and scarves, which I hang on lamps in my living room, with classic rock from the 1960s and 1970s, good old soul music and Billie Holiday playing in the background. I really want people who buy my line to step into a world that represents me.

My favourite work of arts... are my tattoos, I have nine. They are all beautifully done and mean something personal to me.

A book that changed me... my book 'The Truth About Diamonds' made a big impact on me, I was so honoured that it made the bestseller list.

The last album I bought/downloaded... was The Temper Trap's album 'Conditions'. They're a band from Melbourne, Australia.

My greatest regret... I always say, live life to the full and have no regrets.

The person who really makes me laugh... my friends and family constantly have me laughing.

My five year plan... is to expand my clothing lines and ensure that as many people as possible can enjoy my ideas. . Hopefully in the future I will be able to open my own label store. I want to continue to be as involved as I have been so far, without compromising my family life

My favourite building... I don't know if I have a favourite building, but I have been influenced by the Art Deco buildings of the 1920s and 1930s.

It's not fashionable but I like... the fact that I studied the cello, violin and piano growing up, which inspired my love of music. I want my children to have as many opportunities to express their creativity as I did.

What's the point? Family and fulfilling yourself.

My life in six words... family, fashion, fun, hectic, exciting, exhilarating.

My real-life villain... anyone who hurts a child.

The last time I cried... was when I was told about the atrocities being committed in the Congo against women and children over conflict minerals.

Movie heaven... I'd be happy with anything that's not made for kids! It's all I manage to see these days.

At night I dream of... shoes!

What I see when I look in the mirror.... is a person whose dreams are coming true, first with my family and now with my clothing line.

I drive/ride... planes! My business partners let me pilot their jet briefly the last time we went in it, which I loved and was incredibly exciting!

The house/flat I grew up in... taught me a lot about how those of us more fortunate people should help those in need. This led me to set up the Richie-Madden children's foundation with Joel, and to get involved in the Haiti appeal. I recorded the charity single 'We are the World' with many other legends!

If I could change one thing about myself... it might have been my really curly hair, but I've been having this new treatment called the Brazilian blow-dry and it makes my life so much easier. I don't have to constantly use heat on my hair so it's in much better condition.

A life in brief

Born on 21 September 1981, Nicole Richie is the adopted daughter of the singer Lionel Richie. She came to fame as Paris Hilton’s sidekick on reality TVseries The Simple Life, and is now a fashion designer. She lives in LA with her fiancé, Joel Madden, and their two children, Sparrow James Midnight and Harlow Winter Kate. Her latestrange is available at mywardrobe.com