Nicole Richie is charming and fluent in fashionese, but there are things she definitely won’t talk about

NICOLE Richie conducts her interviews with military-like precision these days. At precisely 1:01pm, we were given five minutes with the former reality TV star.

The Insta Life: Nicole Richie and Joel Madden pose for some Instagram action.

NICOLE Richie conducts her interviews with military-like precision these days.

At precisely 1.01pm, I was given five minutes with the former reality TV star. I was told to arrive 40 minutes before the interview started, and informed that certain questions were completely off limits.

Funnily enough, after meeting Nicole Richie, I really can’t imagine her being so uptight and sensitive about interviews. Once bitten, twice shy perhaps?

While a few hundreds of thousands of dollars have (allegedly) been spent on bringing Ms Richie to Australia, I am pleased to say she was charming. Sweet. Happy. Nice.

Sure, we’ve been given the no-can-do subjects, but the one thing she is happy to talk about is, well, fashion. And racing.

Considering she has never been to a horse racing meeting, the designer, mum-of-two and former reality TV star may seem a surprising choice to be the star guest at the Golden Slipper at Rosehill on Saturday.

Relaxed and chic: Nicole Richie as she appeared in a photoshoot for Sunday Style. Picture: Darren McDonald

But racing boss Tony Partridge says the inclusion of Nicole as race ambassador and Myer frocks-in-the-field judge will encourage a new breed of racing enthusiasts.

“Nicole is very popular in Australia and we know so many fans will want to see Nicole at the races,” says Mr Partridge, in a media statement.

“We hope Nicole will entice and excite a new breed of racing enthusiasts to our home in Sydney’s west for the best three days of racing, fashion and hospitality on offer.

“Nicole Richie epitomises what the new look Carnival represents as she reflects the new generation of eclectic empowered women by balancing a successful business, nurturing strong relationships with her children, rock star husband and friends — all with her unique style and zest for life.”

The Insta Life: Nicole Richie and Joel Madden pose for some Instagram action.

So, with my internal stopwatch on, Nicole and I happily chewed the fashion fat.

“I don’t focus on trends, as style is something about exploring who you are and what you want to say,” Nicole said.

“This is my first race day so I would suggest just to ‘have fun with it’ as that’s the fun part about fashion. You can live in the moment.

“I would suggest you take this one trend (race fashion) and take the reins of it.”

Nicole also admitted to being a fan of one element of Aussie style: “I would describe it (Australian style) as luxury loungewear,” she smiles. “Of which I am a huge fan. I buy all my sweats here and everyone at home always says ‘I love your sweats’.”

As to what she will be wearing come race day: “I don’t have a backup here, but I have my outfit sorted. It’s a surprise.”

Back in the day: Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie when they starred in The Simple Life.

Well after her time playing with her then-BFF, Paris Hilton, on their reality series The Simple Life, Nicole (ever so elegantly and smartly) started her own well-received fashion houses, House of Harlow and Winter Kate.

“I started designing because every time I travel I visit vintage stores and I love finding something that inspires me and then creating something out of it,” Nicole adds.

“I love just tapping into that side of me that loves to create.”

And with that, our five minutes is up, the token snap-with-celeb is done, we shake hands and away we go.