Richie's Rise

By SAMANTHA ETTUS
14-JUL-05

A hit series, a debut album, an enviable new style, a soon to be published book and a fiancé; there is perhaps no celebrity in Hollywood who has undergone a greater transformation than Nicole Richie. The adopted daughter of singer Lionel Richie first made headlines as the inseparable best friend and The Simple Life co-star of Paris Hilton. But though their famous friendship has since sizzled, it is Richie and not Hilton who has emerged the surprise fan favorite.

Ironically, Richie’s arrival on the Hollywood scene was all about coattails, as she rode to prominence on the fame of both her famous father and celebutante best friend. But it’s now clear that Richie learned plenty during her years as bosom buddy to Hilton, who is arguably the most image conscious celebrity since Marilyn Monroe. During this time, the building blocks for Richie’s future were being put into place. Richie returned from drug rehab in 2003 with a sunnier outlook and her ambition kicked into high gear, and she finally began to emerge from Hilton’s shadow.

It is likely that this newfound drive threatened Hilton and led to the demise of their longtime friendship. After three starring seasons in Fox’s hit reality series, the estranged duo is causing problems for the network, with Hilton pushing for new best friend Kim Stewart, daughter of Rod Stewart, to replace Richie. Yet word is that executives at Fox are not keen on passing up their option to sign Richie given her recent surge in popularity. Ironically, Hilton and Richie are now both engaged and planning their respective weddings at the same time, a detail that has not been lost on Fox and may be incorporated into The Simple Life’s next season should Fox have its way.

Regardless of the outcome of this public debacle, Richie is pushing forward with ambitious projects on a variety of fronts, all of which are united by her drive and flair. Richie’s first book, Rock and Royalty: Reality Fiction, will be published by ReganBooks in September 2005, and her highly anticipated debut album will be released by year’s end. Richie made an intelligent move in hiring Rachel Zoe, stylist to many stars including Lindsay Lohan and Jessica Simpson. As hoped, Richie is looking better than ever, radiating confidence and a happy glow, and the tabloids can’t seem to get enough of her. In addition, her engagement to Adam Goldstein, aka DJ AM, has provided the media with an irresistible love story all on its own.

Though she has recently been catching flack for her emaciated frame, Richie claims it is all in the name of health and vehemently denies any implication that she has an eating disorder. At Celebrity Assets, we hope and believe that is the truth, betting that Richie is too focused and savvy to sabotage her shot at full fledged stardom. She proved her resourcefulness and persistence in pulling off deals for an album and a self penned book, recognizing how these vehicles would complement her TV career, and she is determined to never again be known simply as the daughter or best friend. After shining in the shadows, Richie is making it as a star all on her own.

Remember: The most dependable road to the top is to treat your brand as your greatest asset.

(Samantha Ettus, president of Ettus Media Management, is a leading voice on personality-driven brands. Her first book, "The Experts' Guide to 100 Things Everyone Should Know How To Do" (Random House), will be published in September. For more information, go to www.theexpertsguideto.com.)