Nicole Richie is returning to reality television with a new show for VH1 entitled, #CandidlyNicole, based on her popular twitter feed. The former celebutante turned fashion designer has come a long way since she took on The Simple Life with then BFF Paris Hilton, nearly a decade ago. Indeed the former reality wild child has made quite the transformation in the past few years, into an undisputed fashionista. 

Nicole Richie is set to return to reality TV on VH1Nicole Richie is set to return to reality TV on VH1

Nicole Richie first came to public attention as the sidekick of Paris Hilton on their reality show The Simple Life. Richie was the wittier and more outspoken one with Paris taking on the more ditzy vain role. After five seasons and more than a few rocky off camera moments for the pair’s friendship, the show came to an end in 2007. During the show's run, Richie had become a tabloid fixture thanks to a DUI arrest and a very brief stint in jail, (82 minutes to be exact), but that didn't get in the way of her branching out her career beyind The Simple Life.

Before the show had ended Richie was already beginning to move away from reality television, beginning with her acting debut in 2005's Kids in America. She also had guest stints on shows including, 8 Simple Rules and Chuc. Richie also made a foray into writing with her debut novel The Truth about Diamonds, a semi-autobiographical story of a girl adopted by a famous singer who battles drug addiction while enjoying the Hollywood highlife. Her second novel, Priceless was published in 2010.

Nicole Richie has become a fashion icon in the past few yearsNicole Richie has become a fashion icon in the past few years

In 2005, the fashion world couldn't help noticing that Richie was sporting a bit of a new look, thanks to top stylist Rachel Zoe. Richie’s style transformation led her to fashion icon status and soon she launched her own line of jewellery, House of Harlow 1960. The collection initially debuted through Kitson's online boutique in 2008 but its success soon grew enough for Richie to be named 'Entrepreneur of the Year' at the Glamour 'Women of the Year' awards in 2010. A handbag line later followed and the brand has now expanded to include clothing and footwear as well. Her fashion icon status was further cemented when she appeared as a mentor on NBC reality show Fashion Star.

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