Jessica Simpson has signed on to mentor NBC’s upcoming reality design competition ‘Fashion Star,’ according to the Hollywood Reporter. The handbag and shoe designer will act as the celebrity mentor to the 14 contestants who are competing to create their own fashion lines. The unknown designers will compete for a multimillion-dollar contract to launch their line in three of America’s largest retail stores.

Buyers from the stores will serve as judges, while model Elle Macpherson will host and executive produce ‘Fashion Star.’ Ben Silverman, the CEO and founder of the show’s studio Electus, said Simpson “has built an incredible fashion business and is a perfect mentor to our aspiring designers. She will complement the buyers, (Elle) Macpherson and (an) amazing format.

Simpson, who last appeared on reality television on the VH1 show ‘The Price of Beauty’ in 2010, was described to be an excellent choice to mentor the contestants by NBC Universal’s Executive Vice President of Alternative Programming, Paul Telegdy. “NBC is delighted to work with singer, designer, actress and pop culture icon (Jessica) Simpson,” he said, pointing to her almost billion dollar brand.

‘Fashion Star,’ which has yet to set a release date, was created by the Global Fashion association’s E.J. Johnston and James Deutch, as well as Rick Ringback from 5×5 Media and Silverman. The latter two will also executive produce the series.

Written by: Karen Benardello