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Home , Nicole Richie, Perez Hilton, The Simple Life

MOSCHINO dress and gloves, GEORGE KEBURIA sunglasses It’s sometime in early 2003 or 2004 and is folding laundry. Standing across from her then-best friend, , in some stranger’s home in the Midwest, the duo has an argument. “You’ve never heard of a laundromat?” Paris asks, while Nicole, curled up in bed, shakes her head adamantly. “It’s where people who can’t aford a washing machine go to wash their clothes,” she responds, matter-of-factly. “I’ve seen it in movies.” Today, with the omnipresence of reality TV and franchises like The Real Housewives, Pari$ that scene wouldn’t feel too out of the ordinary. But when Paris and Nicole made their debut on FOX with in 2003, it wasn’t just hilarious — it was radical. The granddaughter of Conrad Hilton, by the time she was a teen, Paris quickly became a permanent fixture at early-aughts Hollywood hot spots like the Chateau Marmont and Les Deux, a regular on industry red carpets and a familiar face in the front row at every Fashion Week. Paris at the mall, Paris leaving Starbucks, Paris in London — alongside her sister, Nicky, the heiress dominated the pre-RSS fed world of media, almost single handedly keeping (not to mention the semi-eponymously named goss site, Perez Hilton) in business. She might not have been the first to do it, but Paris certainly was the most famous for being famous, unintentionally — or intentionally, depending on who you ask — setting the stage for what’s become standard social media practice. Re- member: was her assistant. HiltoN

Photography: BYRON SPENCER Fashion: CHLOE and CHENELLE Interview: NICKY HILTON Words: ALEXANDRA WEISS

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Nicky Hilton: It just dawned on me that we've nev- er done this before. This interview is so overdue. But instead of asking you all of the typical, boring questions, I want to ask you questions that I’m actually interested in. And I asked your fans to send me questions, so I got to rifle through thou- sands that I thought were funny.

Paris Hilton: Loves it.

NH: Obviously, I know what you were like, but Clearly the world has changed a lot since then, and since The Simple Life ended in 2007. Les Deux has how would you describe what you were like as a closed, is dead, lives in Europe. But Paris Hilton still remains at the top child? of her game, having transitioned her brand into a thriving career that sees her working as a DJ, singer, app developer and businesswoman with 19 diferent product lines, 25 diferent fragrances and a so- PH: I was always a huge tomboy growing up. I cial media presence that’s not only kept her relevant, but a role model to influencers and YouTube stars loved fishing, and surfing, and being on our fami- who’re so young, they weren’t even born when Paris wore that iconic dress on her 21st birthday. Though, ly's ranch, and playing with animals. My whole life that hasn’t stopped them — and others, like Kendall Jenner — from recreating the look. Even her sister, I wanted to be a veterinarian because I was such Nicky, wore a similar one when she dressed up as Paris for Halloween last year — something they dis- a huge animal lover. cussed on a recent call, in which we joined in. Throughout our chat, Paris is surprisingly shy, perking up most when she talks about the future of NH: I remember that coming to a big halt when technology and the freedom that comes with social media. But it makes sense. The Paris we watched you realised you were going to have to give them wax poetic about laundromats over a decade ago wasn’t the real Paris. “That was a character I was play- shots and stuf. ing,” she explains. “A cartoon of what I thought the world wanted to see.” On the phone with Nicky, she drops that mask, sounding much more like a self-assured woman than our favorite 2000s party girl who PH: Yeah, when I realised I would have to do sur- once tried to exchange half-eaten Burger King. But there are glimpses. When Nicky talks about how peo- gery and euthanize them, I was like, 'Okay, that's ple often incorrectly dismiss her sister, Paris responds, just like she did on another episode of The Simple not my vibe.' So, I decided I would just work hard Life, with one of her famous catchphrases. Trying to explain the meaning of “Loves it” to the teenage son for animals, and have my own pets and just cre- of her new boss on the show, he asks, “Do I love it? Love what?” She says: “Every second of it.” ate the most amazing life for them.

68 OYS 117 69 NH: If you could ask a historical figure for advice, PH: We literally never had our hair and makeup PH: So iconic. can do all of that on this app. So, I'm going to who would it be and what would you ask? done. We did everything on our own. do a Halloween party for Roxi at my house, and AW: Why do you think that's the case? I already bought 10 diferent costumes — Sailor PH: Probably, like, Mother Teresa, and I'd just ask NH: There was no glam team. Moon, sexy Harry Potter, a goddess, a warrior, her what advice would she give to everyone to- PH: It's just the ultimate birthday dress. I actually what else? A little white fox I was supposed to day. I just always felt like she had such an amaz- PH: No Glam App. wore it because I was shooting a cover for wear for Burning Man but I didn't, and lots of oth- ingly positive way of living life, and thinking, and in London, and Julien MacDonald sent over all er surprises. giving back, and I always admired her. So, I'd just NH: There was something so sweet and innocent these gowns. When I looked at it, I was like, 'If I ask her — about it. We weren't out looking for a career, we was a dress, that would be me.' Like, you know AW: Aside from Roxi, you also have Staramba, were just having fun. when you just look at something and you know and you've been super vocal about your inter- NH: For a really good hashtag on Instagram for it's you? That was it. So, I actually wore it for a est in VR... What do you think is the future of so- you. PH: There wasn't even a career out there like that. shoot first, and I wore it again the next night for cial media, and of technology, and why has that It just wasn't a thing, or something to aspire to. my birthday party in London. But I had no idea space been so exciting for you? PH: Oh my god. We just did it. what a huge force that dress would be. I've seen it recreated so many times, I've seen so many PH: I've just always been very ahead of my time in NH: Speaking of which, what is your favourite so- NH: We were just two sisters going out. people wear it, and all those fast fashion brands everything I do. But I'm also a huge tech nerd — cial media account to follow? have made it. like, I'm obsessed with technology — and being PH: Having the best time of our life. a businesswoman, I like things that are conven- PH: I have so many, but one of my favourites is NH: I was you in that dress for Halloween last ient and make my life easier. There's another app @girlwithnojob — I love Claudia. She’s a g. She's AW: What was harder, being in the spotlight then year! I’m working with right now called The Glam App, so fucking funny. I love all the memes that she or now? And do you think it was easier to be real which is just beauty on demand. Within an hour, makes, and her videos, and her stories... She's back then? PH: Yes! That was so hot. you can have the best hair, makeup and nail art- just so real. I love people who are honest and ists come to your house and get you ready. Then open and say what they're feeling or thinking and NH: No. It's a completely diferent world. Sorry, AW: Are you guys dressing up for Halloween this there's the entire VR world. I'm creating new VR have no filter. I'm like, taking over this entire interview and an- year? spaces which are going to be not only for trav- swering all of your questions, but like, I remember elling to another place, but to actually be able to Alexandra Weiss: Do you feel like that realness is if was photographed with a ciga- PH: Obviously. I live for Halloween, and I'm live in that world and purchase things and get something that’s generally lacking on social me- rette, she would have to issue a public apology having a huge Halloween party at my house. I exciting surprises that they could never have in dia these days? and say she was holding it for her friend. It was just launched this new app which I haven't an- real life. just crazy. No one could take even one wrong nounced yet, but it's called Roxi, and it's basically PH: Social media is amazing, and so empower- step, and today, I think anything goes. the ultimate party app — like the Uber or Post- AW: It seems like a lot of what you do with tech- ing, and fascinating. When I was casting for my mates of party apps, where instead of hiring a nology, but also the whole Paris Hilton brand IRL, "Best Friend's Ass" music video, I was sent so PH: And today, with social media, and technolo- party planner, all you have to do is go on the app. has been about creating and achieving fantasy. I many diferent Instagram accounts and I had to gy, and all of the diferent platforms, if you have So, you can get servers, security, valet, any kind know you've been asked about this forever, but really research everyone. It was really interesting an idea, or if you are talented and you want to do of theme, any kind of food, if you want to order is the Paris Hilton fantasy real? And what's the to watch, and very inspiring, looking and seeing something about it, you can — and your dreams your favourite or influencer or DJ... you stripped back version like? how real and free people are nowadays. Before, can come true with the click of a phone. That's I feel like people would hide from who they truly what I love about it. Back when we started, there were, and now it's empowering to really be your- was nothing like that. What we were doing be- self. I love that. came the entire blueprint for it. The whole ‘famous for being famous’ thing, back when Nicky and I AW: Do you feel like what you were doing when were first going out, was something that was nev- you were younger set the stage for this kind of er done before and now it's basically what people fame? Or that you're the original influencer? do every single day. And I think it's amazing that for anyone living anywhere in the world, they don't PH: A lot of people say that to me, like, 'You lit- need an agent, they don't need anyone — they erally created this, you're the OG.’ But when I could literally just have their phone and create an think about it, what I was doing — I was just a entire brand or empire. That gets me excited, and teenager. Nicky and I were going to Tokyo and part of why I love technology. doing these press tours, before the word influ- encer had even been invented yet. There was AW: With the way that reality TV is now, would you no iPhone, I literally had a disposable camera do a show like The Simple Life again? and my video camera that I would carry around everywhere. PH: I've been ofered to do so many shows. Every couple of days we get diferent producers and NH: Yes, disposable cameras! diferent networks ofering reality shows to me. But I always turn them down because that's not PH: When we created The Hilton Sisters and did my priority — my priority is my business, and my this entire thing, it was the beginning of an entire empire, and I honestly just don't have time for genre. I'm friends with a lot of these influencers that. I'm busy being a boss. But I also feel like you and for them to say like, 'You inspired me to be can't recreate a show like that. The Simple Life

free, and be who I am, and create my own brand was iconic, so ahead of its time — it's the show MOSCHINO dress and jewellery, SERGIO ROSSI shoes and go for my dreams’ — it’s such an amazing — and you can't recreate something so special. feeling to inspire people to work hard, build a brand and do whatever they want. Being an en- NH: Hold on, I’m going to go to some of the fan trepreneur and a businesswoman and seeing questions. Okay. Paris, what is your favourite red what I've created is an incredible feeling. carpet look you've ever done?

AW: What were the diferences in the way that PH: I have so many! But one of my favourites was you approached your brand back then versus the August Getty dress he made that's all crys- how you do now? tallised. I saw Gigi Gorgeous wearing it on her Instagram, and I was like, 'Oh my God, I have to NH: It was so diferent with us because wear that dress,' because it reminded me of my everything happened so organically. There were 21st birthday dress, but made into a gown. no publicists, there were no agents, there were no stylists. Nothing. It all just happened living in NH: Let's talk about that 21st birthday dress. I was New York and going out, meeting people. Today, sitting in Paris with a stylist and she was saying I feel like a lot of girls are so manufactured. They that she has never seen a dress more duplicated all have stylists. and copied in her entire life.

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72 OYS 117 73 BLONDES NY top, NATIA x LAKO earrings PH: Of course, fantasy is part of it, because my whole entire brand is about living in a fantasy world. But obviously, in my real life it's not always like that. I'm much more relaxed and spend most of my time chilling at home with my pets. But I do live a busy life and I like to make it as fun and exciting as possible.

AW: Nicky asked you earlier about what you were like growing up, but what was your relationship like? And did it change when you started building your brand together?

PH: I'm so lucky that my best friend in the world is my sister. She's the one person in my life that I trust implicitly, and we have always had a really close relationship. I've always looked up to her so much and she's always kind of been the big sister to me because she has always been a boss.

NH: Yeah, I'm bossy.

PH: But I love that about her because I'm very na- ive and I'm very sweet and I let a lot of people into my life, and Nicky has always been that one who can see things before I do, and give me good ad- vice, and be someone I can actually talk to.

NH: Your friends call me the gatekeeper.

PH: Yeah, everyone is very intimidated by Nicky because they know that she can literally spot if there's a hungry tiger or someone who's trying to take advantage of or use me. She always points them out right away.

NH: I'm a very good judge of character and I can snif the good and bad out pretty quickly. Even though Paris is my older sister, we've always had this relationship where I'm like the older sister. And we still do today.

AW: So, you're really protective of Paris.

NH: Yeah, definitely. I mean, I too have a lot of trust issues with people. So, it's nice at the end of the day with Paris, because I can tell her an- ything, and I know that it will never be repeated.

PH: Never!

NH: Tell me about your 25th fragrance. That was such a huge accomplishment for you.

PH: When I was a little girl, I always dreamed about having one fragrance and now, to be re- leasing my 25th perfume, it's just such a dream come true. And I just feel so proud that it's been such an incredible success. It's called Electrify, and I really wanted to make it special. I was in- spired by my performing and DJing, and I wanted it to have that vibe — I wanted to electrify people, and the scent is just so sexy. Loves it. That's hot.

NH: I have another fan question for you: what do you eat for breakfast?

PH: Today I had French toast and Rice Krispies with honey and orange juice and celery juice, which is my new thing, because it's just so good for you.

NH: You had all of this at your house?

PH: Yeah, I love food all day. But I really love breakfast. And I love to cook, especially my lasa- gna. I've made it for you before!

NH: Yeah, you're a good cook.

74 OYS 117 75 PH: But you've never been to my house for break- PH: Very. I'm very misunderstood and there's a NH: The real Paris is definitely not this sexy AW: What's next for you, personally? fast. Breakfast is my favourite meal of the day. lot of misconceptions about me, but anyone who bombshell. She walks around in Juicy tracksuits knows me knows the real me. And everyone will and sneakers and a baseball hat with her hair in PH: Well, I have my 19 diferent product lines, so I make everything from perfumes, hand- NH: Me too. But James doesn't eat breakfast. He know the real me when they see my new movie Sailor Moon buns, and she likes to be at home bags, sunglasses, clothing, lingerie, shoes, makeup, jewellery, dog clothes and home- did not grow up in a household that ate breakfast. that's next year. It's a documenta- with her animals, scrapbooking and doing arts wares; I also have my own real estate development portfolio and I'm about to open my So, he doesn't like eggs — ry based on my life — the real, untold story. My and crafts. So, I think what you see is a lot more third property; and obviously, in the tech space, with my apps and other projects that I entire narrative has been based on the media’s glamorous, and she's actually a lot more normal haven't announced yet. I'm also releasing three new songs in the next few months, and PH: Ugh, I love cereal. I love French toast. I like, perception of me, and I've never really said an- and relatable than people would think. one of them is with Missy Elliott and Lil' Kim. And I’m writing my new book. like, literally 20 diferent kinds of cereals, like even ything about it, or tried to tell the real story. But Cookie Crisp. Remember all of the OG good ce- now, people are finally going to see who I really AW: I think one of the biggest aspects of the Paris NH: You're writing a book? About what? Your life? real? am, and they're going to be really surprised. Hilton mythology is that you guys wanted to be famous — that that's what you were trying to do. PH: It's just about being a boss, and building a brand. The next one will be about my life. NH: You still eat that crap? AW: About what? What do you think is the big- But based on everything you've been saying, it gest misconception about you? seems that you were actually surprised, and kind AW: What's the most important piece of advice in the book? PH: Duh. of scared when it happened. PH: With The Simple Life — that was a character PH: It's just about figuring out what your favourite thing is, and what you love, and what NH: What's your favourite food in the world, I was playing, and a lot of people assume that's NH: It really just happened. you would live for, and putting all of your time into it. You really have to enjoy it, and you though? really who I am. But there's just so much more to have to surround yourself with the right people — people that you can trust and will help me — that was just the beginning of a brand that PH: We weren't even thinking about it at all. We you make your dreams come true. But you have to work hard if you want to get where PH: My lasagna that I make because it's literally I created, which is basically a cartoon of what I were literally just living our lives. If you were an you want in life, and always have a good heart. Oh, and always remember where you the best on earth, and you know it's true, because thought the world wanted to see. But I'm natu- actress, or you were a singer, that was that. But come from — that's something my mom always taught me. When The Simple Life first you've had it. rally a very shy person. So, when I do that act, we weren't trying to make a career out of being came out, she sat me down and said, 'Tomorrow, when this airs on FOX, your whole life and put on that baby voice, and put on that mask, ourselves. We were just doing it and it became is going to change, and I want you to always remain the same, sweet girl that you are, NH: Who is your spirit animal? it's easier for me to deal with everything. I mean, something, and then people started imitating it. and don't ever let this go to your head.' That's something I've always remembered, and especially in the beginning, it was just so over- something that's so important when you're in this industry — to not let it change you. PH: My spirit animal? Probably Marilyn Monroe, whelming — having the media and the press and NH: I have a good question: who is your ultimate because she was just the ultimate blonde bomb- everyone following me and chasing me. It was a favourite celebrity we've ever partied with? AW: Nicky, what's something you admire about Paris as a businesswoman? shell. And I also know that she was very misun- lot to deal with. So, I built that character as some- derstood, so I can relate to her. thing to hide behind. PH: Lots! But Britney and I always had an amaz- NH: Her resilience. I mean, she's been doing this for what, 20 years? And to constantly ing time. Wherever we’d go they’d play one of her be evolving and creating new projects in all of these diferent fields, from film, music, AW: You feel like you're misunderstood? AW: Nicky, how do you describe the real Paris? songs, or one of my songs, and she's such a sick fashion and now, getting into the tech world — it's amazing. She's so driven. And just dancer. So, it would just be really fun to hang out watching her mature, because you know, even though she's an adult, she really is like a with her, because she's so sweet, and down to big kid, but then she has the reigns of her company and is just continuing to thrive and earth. She's a really good girl, I love her. But my kill it. It always annoys me when people say, 'Oh she's famous for nothing.' It's like, really? other favourite is Puf, because he always had I don't know many women who have 25 fucking fragrances and 19 product lines. That the best parties. We go to Burning Man together doesn't sound like nothing to me. every year in the same camp, and he's just such an amazing man. Like, everything about him. AW: Do you also feel like people underestimate you, Paris? He's an incredible businessman, he's so sweet, he's so talented, and he really does throw the PH: I love it when people underestimate me, because I al- best parties. I mean, I throw good parties, but he ways prove them wrong. Loves it. throws the sickest. NH: What's your biggest fear? NH: Remember those white parties in the Hamp- tons back in the day? PH: My biggest fear in life is death. I always try to imagine this amazing, beautiful place where you're with all of your PH: So much fun. family and friends, and everyone's happy — like this heav- en nightclub that looks like paradise. But I'm so scared be- NH: So fun. They don't do parties like that any- cause it's the unknown, and what if there's nothing? That more. would be so boring.

PH: Yeah, social media kind of changed the whole party scene.

AW: How?

PH: Because no one was ever on their phone, everyone was having so much fun, and there would only be like maybe one designated pho- tographer for the whole party. So, we still got to see those memories, but it wasn't about that. It was just about having a good time, listening to Jay-Z perform with Puf. It was the real OGs back then.

AW: So many things have changed — not just partying and social media. As someone who's always started trends, how do you hope to con- tinue to evolve in the future?

PH: I'm just excited. I'm all about girl power, and photography BYRON SPENCER, fashion CHLOE and women empowerment, and being an inspiration CHENELLE DELGADILLO, hair EDUARDO PONCE to other business women and men around the make-up ETIENNE ORTEGA @ THE ONLY AGENCY world who want to build a brand. And I'm excited photography assistants SARA LEMIEUX and HAYLEY BROWN fashion assistant KRISTIN MAHLER that everyone has these incredible platforms to production JESY ODIO @ TEENAGER help build their businesses. So, I just want peo- production coordinator VERONICA ZIN @ TEENAGER ple to continue to follow their dreams. With hard casting ADAM BROWNE @ SIX WOLVES CASTING work, and passion, and love, and truth, anything Special thanks to CHARLOTTE CARDAMONE is possible. and CHARLIE ROINA

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