Nicole Richie, John Varvatos On Board Fashion Star

UNIVERSAL CITY: NBC’s new reality competition series Fashion Star has added Nicole Richie and John Varvatos as celebrity mentors, joining previously announced mentor Jessica Simpson and host Elle Macpherson.

Richie has appeared on a number of TV shows, including NBC’s Chuck and American Dreams, in addition to fronting her own reality series, The Simple Life, with Paris Hilton. She conceived, launched and acts as creative director for her internationally recognized fashion brands. Her lines include the House of Harlow 1960 jewelry collection, which branched out into footwear, eyewear and handbags. The Winter Kate line is a ready-to-wear collection, and Richie also did a limited edition collaboration maternity line with Pea in the Pod.

Varvatos started designing collections at Polo Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein. He has launched his own company that represents an entire men’s lifestyle brand.

The series—from Electus, 5X5 Media and The Magical Elves—is a search for America’s next popular brand. Viewers at home can also buy the winning designs each week. The show will feature real-time consumer feedback and interactivity.

"NBC could not have asked for better additions to the celebrity mentors than John Varvatos, one of the most well-known menswear designers in the nation and international style icon and creative director, Nicole Richie," said Paul Telegdy, the executive VP of alternative programming at NBC and Universal Media Studios. "Both are trendsetters and tastemakers and their design skills and expertise will be invaluable to our contestants on the series."

"Jessica, Nicole, John and Elle make the most exciting team we have ever worked with on a reality television show and we are thrilled to feature such an extraordinary group of mentors and designers," added Ben Silverman, the executive producer of Fashion Star and CEO and founder of Electus.