Nicky Hilton’s Holiday Rules

We had the pleasure of sitting down with the style icon to find out how she is handling parenting through the pandemic, what keeps her family so close and what (and where) is next for the fashion mogul!

No person brings jet-setting to mind as much as Nicky Hilton. From New York to Los Angeles and beyond, Hilton is an avid traveller and renowned it-girl…well, everywhere. It stands to reason that the COVID-19 pandemic brought a halt to the designer and businesswoman’s agenda of meetings, parties, fashion shows and family vacations. In retrospect, Hilton says that last year’s worldwide shutdown taught her to “stop and smell the roses.”

“It was a crazy, crazy year, but one of the words I take away most is ‘gratitude,'” says Hilton. “I think so many of us were taking such simple things for granted. Just going out to lunch with a friend, or even meeting in person for a meeting. Going to the grocery store. And then, suddenly, all of us were put on house arrest. So I would definitely say that it has made me grateful for the small things.”

Hilton’s been in the public eye since she was a teenager, photographed at the Waldorf with her sister, Paris, and getting great acclaim after launching her first clothing line when she was just 21 years old. After all, instant fame is natural when you’re a renowned heiress. However, Hilton reveals that her family’s close-knit nature keeps her grounded.

“I always say that my happiness and success is connected to my family. I’m so close with my family. Not only my mom, my dad, my siblings, but my cousins, my aunts and uncles,” Hilton says. “We’re all so tight, and to have that bond and know that you always have each other’s back is very important to me. Family is everything.”

Hilton’s status as a public figure involves a great deal of…well, being in the public. From appearing at events to walking the runways at New York Fashion Week, Hilton has fully embraced her it-girl status. Though her position in the spotlight draws a range of opinions from the public, she’s learned to tune them out—and focus on her family instead.

“I stopped caring about that stuff a long, long time ago. I’ve been in this industry since I was a teenager, so I’ve seen it all,” says Hilton. “You can’t let the opinion of strangers affect you. It’s not a healthy way to live. I focus on my friends and family and what they think of me.”

Hilton is celebrating a variety of major occasions this year, including the second anniversary of her French Sole line. (More on that later!) The greatest, of course, is her 6-year anniversary to businessman James Rothschild. The two wed at the Orangery at Kensington Palace Gardens in London, England in July 2015; Hilton wore a Valentino Haute Couture gown for the occasion. After six years of marriage, Hilton reflects that what makes a marriage work is closeness and friendliness.

“I think what makes a relationship work is being best friends, and having that mutual respect, and having fun and enjoying each other,” says Hilton. “I feel very lucky. I have an incredible husband who is such a good father, husband and friend. I’m very grateful.”

In addition to her role as a mother and wife, Hilton balances a range of titles: businesswoman, designer, socialite. As such, she’s constantly on the go—whether creating a new fashion line or dropping her kids off at school. When it comes to finding balance, Hilton discloses that there’s no secret formula, and says it’s a “never-ending battle.” Despite the busy nature (and schedule) of juggling numerous projects and titles, Hilton has her own methods to make time for self-care.

“I do try and keep my business stuff to the weekdays—or ‘school days,’ as I call them. And I try to unplug on the weekends a bit, and put my phone away and just focus on family,” she says. “I have a home in Long Island, which I go to most weekends, so having that escape from the concrete jungle is also very nice. As much as I love New York, it’s good to have a little break now and then.”

Among her many roles, one of Hilton’s greatest is “mom.” Her two young daughters with Rothschild, Lily-Grace and Teddy Marilyn, are both under six years old—and being a working parent in today’s world is no small feat! Since becoming a mother, Hilton says that she’s learned a range of virtues from her kids—particularly to lead by example, especially when teaching them about values like kindness, manners and empathy.

“I think, more than anything, they’ve taught me patience,” Hilton laughs. “And trying to be the best version of myself, because children mirror you and what they see.”

Hilton’s notably been a longtime member of the fashion industry. Throughout her life, she’s been a designer, model and muse—in addition to regularly commanding the front rows of top designers during Fashion Month. As a fashion mogul, Hilton’s also known for her wardrobe. Her streamlined style often features classic top-and-trouser combos and glamorous dresses, paired with coordinating flats and pumps. When it comes to creating similarly sharp outfits, Hilton believes that building a wardrobe on staple pieces is key.

“I always say to invest in the timeless pieces. The ones that are never going to go out of style, like a beautiful black blazer, or a great trench coat, or a black dress,” says Hilton, who’s fairly averse to momentary trends. “Those ones that will be in your wardrobe for years and years to come. Don’t invest so much time or money on the trend pieces, because those are a flash in the pan.”

Hilton’s equally style-savvy younger sister, Paris, is a fashion icon in her own right. Though their strongly different styles usually prevent too much swapping (or “borrowing,” as anyone with a sister knows), Hilton does have favourites from her sister’s closet—and has even worn one of her most iconic outfits of all time.

“I was at her house recently, and I needed something comfy. I was just doing some work on her sofa, so I put on one of her Juicy Couture tracksuits,” Hilton recalls.

She also adds that Paris has an “amazing arsenal of accessories,” noting her sunglasses collection as a favourite part of her closet.

Being a businesswoman is a challenging role that commands a lot of time and energy. Especially as the world has changed in the last several years, what it means to be a “boss” has also changed. To Hilton, leading by example is essential as a boss—especially when it comes to the planet.

“I think a boss is always associated with being a powerful person. I think today, more than ever, it’s very boss-like to look after the environment and to lead a more sustainable life in your personal and professional life—whether that’s changing the way you shop, eat, travel,” she says. “We all have to do our part to leave this world a better place for our children and our children’s children.”

Living a sustainable lifestyle seems like a big adjustment, but Hilton says there are numerous ways to add eco-friendly practices to your daily routine. Some of her favourites include bringing reusable bags to the grocery store, turning lights off after leaving a room and composting. She’s also made her design career environmentally friendly in recent years, launching her first sustainable French Sole collection in 2019. Since then, Hilton’s continued to create classic shoes that reflect her own sharp on-the-go style.

“I like to stick to just the beautiful classics that I wear every day. Just the round-toed ballet flats, loafers, smoking slippers,” Hilton says. “What I love about flats is they’re the perfect combination of comfort and elegance. I think it’s such a chicer alternative than a sneaker. For me, living in New York, I’m running around all day, pick up the kids, drop-off, meetings—so, it’s the perfect shoe for me.”

Travel is also an important part of Hilton’s life, both for work and pleasure. Most recently, the heiress took a summer trip to Rome, Italy. While on vacation, Hilton made sure to take in the city’s classic sights—as well as some pasta from her favourite restaurants, Bolognese and Al Moro, and a shopping trip to Prada.

“It felt very good,” Hilton says of her trip. “I went to Italy about a week after they lifted the restrictions, so it was such a once-in-a-lifetime experience to be in Rome, on the Spanish Steps and at the Trevi Fountain, without all the packed tourists. So, it was really nice to enjoy the city without it being so packed.”

As she prepares for future trips to Los Angeles, Greece and a second vacay in Italy, Hilton recalls her favourite travel memories. Many have been with her sister, with who she’s been on numerous international trips with over the years.

“We love to travel together. I would say one of our favourites is Las Vegas; we just were in Vegas for the Resorts World Opening that she deejayed. Vegas is always a fun time,” Hilton laughs. “But if we’re looking for something more relaxing, Hawaii. Maui. We’ve been going there every year since we’re babies, and it’s just such a nice, relaxing, beautiful place to visit.”

On the local front, Hilton adores her hometown of New York City. When it comes to dressing between cities like NYC, London, and Los Angeles, the designer’s style is adaptable to the climate she’s in.

“I think I am a bit of a style chameleon. I definitely think I adapt to my environment, you know?” says Hilton. “When I’m in L.A., I’m definitely embracing that laid-back, boho-chic vibe: loose, blousy dresses, gladiator sandals. When I’m in New York, it’s a little more dressed up and sophisticated.”

Speaking of New York City, Hilton’s stomping grounds were the background of her cover shoot—after all, she is a “born and bred New Yorker.” The heiress was photographed across a range of spots that highlighted the city’s rich culture, like 50 Bowery and Chinatown. When it comes to New York, she loves the city’s diversity and energy the most.

“I think it’s one of the most fantastic, dynamic places,” says Hilton. “It really is the melting pot of the world, and it has a little of something for everyone. I love the energy, the people. I love it.”

As the future nears, Hilton teases that more projects are on the horizon—including her upcoming fall collection for French Sole.

“You’ll definitely see more shoes, and I’m working on a few fun projects, which I will launch at the beginning of next year,” she says.

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Interview by Aaron Royce

Photography: Cody Rasmussen @codyras

Stylist: Adriana Popovic Nassiri @adrianapopovic

Makeup: Laila Hayani @lailalhayani with @forwardartists using Clé de Peau

Hair: Seiji Yamada @seijinyc with @forwardartists using Oribe

Production / Magazine PR: Matt Dillon / MDPR MEDIA @mattdillon1983

Location: Hotel 50 Bowery, NYC @50Bowery

Video: Ty “MrVizionAir” Hill @mrvizionair

Shop looks inspired by Nicky’s favorites: