Nicole Richie to launch maternitywear

The fashionable American socialite Nicole Richie has revealed she will launch a maternity line for pregnant women.

Richie, who gave birth to daughter Harlow in January, told WWD that her maternitywear collection would make women "look and feel good at a really emotional time".

The daughter of singer Lionel Ritchie added: "It's about showing your best self, not your tired, worn-down self. Guys don't go through that, they just don't understand."

Her line will take influence from the esteemed French fashion house Balenciaga, which is designed by Nicolas Ghesquiere."I wore so much Balenciaga during my pregnancy that he was one of my main inspirations," Richie said.

Ritchie is further due to launch her own jewellery range in the autumn, with the clothing line following later in the year.