raine magazine #21

Ni c k y H i lto n
Eff ortl e s s st y le:
Photographer – Luis Guillen; Photographer’s Assistant Gabriel Brandt; Hair Stylist – Takayoshi Tsukusawa; Makeup
Artist – Griselle Rosario using Artis Makeup Tools, Chanel
Skincare & Tarte Makeup; Manicurist – Angel Williams;
Stylist – Liz Teich; Stylist Assistant – Nick Adedokun &
Sydney Lawson; Georgine dress, L.A.M.B shoes, E. Kammeyer
Bracelet, Parulina Ring, Nicky’s engagement ring (worn
throughout) and custom bag by Sara Battaglia *Prices
Available Upon Request*
Kevin Johnn top and pants, Rita Vinieris
belt, Christian Louboutin shoes, E.
Kammeyer Earrings, Pico Jewelry
Diamond Cocktail Ring in 18K White
Gold *Prices Available Upon Request*
RAINE MAGAZINE - VOLUME 21
75
Rea c hing far b ey o n d t he Hi l t o n na m e ,
Nicky Hilton has made her mark not only in the fashion industry, but also in the
business world. This glamorous socialite wears many hats as a businesswoman, model and fashion designer. Once upon a time, the last name ‘Hilton’ was
simply associated with luxury hotels, but much of Nicky’s success contributes
to the name seamlessly crossing over and creating a home amongst top high
fashion brands.
NYC native and bicoastal brunette turned blonde, Nicky Hilton, was
always known by association with older celebutante sister, Paris Hilton, but
began shattering that “little sister” persona and generated much success
after launching her first fashion line, Chick by Nicky Hilton, and designing
handbags for Japanese company Samantha Thavasa. The fashion
aficionada burst onto the scene in 2007 and debuted at New York City’s
Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week with her second clothing line, Nicholai.
This fashion forward icon and entrepreneur is now adding to her author
to her already impressive resume. Nicky shares her personal stories, style
successes and fashion mishaps in her ultimate guidebook to fashion, 365
Style.
Her name is more than just a name, it’s an internationally recognized brand
that is flourishing faster than anyone could have imagined and by the looks
of it, there are no plans of that slowing down anytime soon.
RAINE: Can you talk about your new book 365 Style? What would you like
for the takeaway to be for readers?
HILTON: I love fashion so I wrote this book for people who love fashion or
are interested in it. I cover all sorts of different things from style advice to
quick fixes and tips. I’ve dedicate a whole chapter to travel: what to pack
and what to wear as well as educate the reader on what to save on and
what to spend on.
RAINE: What was the “Ah Ha” moment?
HILTON: A few years ago I became active on my social media and people
starting writing in to me and starting asking style advice. I then thought it
would be fun putting all of what I learned into a book. It balances all sides
of the spectrum from behind the scenes, a spectator to designer. I had this
front education in style and I wanted to share what I’ve learned. Fashion is
supposed to be fun. Don’t take it too seriously -- it is a really fun thing for
people to dress up and present themselves. RAINE: If you could offer one tip to style conscious men and women, what
would it be and why?
HILTON: Wear what makes you feel good. Don’t be a slave to trends - that
is the fastest way to burn through money. And really ask yourself—“ is it
me, is it flattering, does it fit?: And..., be unique! So don’t copy your favorite
celebrities’ style head to toe. That is so boring. Also, create a mood board
to help you find yourself. This is a collage. It can be anything, flowers,
colors, architecture, clothes, etc.
RAINE: How would you describe your own sense of style?
HILTON: I would say - it is pretty reflective of my lifestyle in NYC sophisticated with an edge.
RAINE: Do you have a signature go to piece? HILTON: I love blazers—in many variations. That is sort of my staple. They
look good and I feel good in them. Also, ballet flats - love them! They are
chic, simple and comfortable—which is a bonus.
RAINE: In your own words, why should be people take an interest in their
own personal sense of style?
HILTON: I think when you look good, you feel good. I read this book the
Happiness Project - one of its mantras—“act how you want to feel.” My
Mantra—“dress how you want to feel.”
RAINE: At the age of 17 you were already a budding entrepreneur and
designing hand bags for Samantha Thavasa. Would you say that starting
early prepared you for your future endeavors as a business woman?
HILTON: I am glad my father instilled that work ethic in us - me and my
siblings. At every step of the way I found myself waning to out-do myself
and be better than I was.
When we started making all this money from our own endeavors—it was
very fulfilling. We have worked for everything we have. We bought our first
cars and home with the money we made from working. We’ve made some
mistakes along the way. We were young and thought we knew it all, but at
the end of the day—your parents know best. RAINE: Will you tell us about your forthcoming capsule collection, Eluxe?
HILTON: Eluxe is a Canadian retailer that carries some of the coolest
brands, and they came to me with the idea and I loved it. As a bonus they
agreed to give me complete creative control.
RAINE: Can you talk about your design inspiration for Eluxe?
HILTON: I divided up this collection into three women:
California transplant - The bohemian girl with some cover ups and dresses. Uptown NY – A preppy uptown girl. Downtown NY - The sexy downtown girls with lace tops and dresses. I love
lingerie inspired pieces. They are effortlessly sexy
RAINE: Where can readers find the collection?
HILTON: It will be available on the Eluxe site by the end of September. RAINE: Has being a Hilton allowed you more access as an entrepreneur or
business opportunities of which have helped to build your brand?
HILTON: I would be lying if I said that my last name didn’t open doors for
me. At the same time it has closed doors. I have always felt the need to
prove them wrong. At the end of the day - the product will speak for itself. RAINE: What’s one piece of business advice would you offer budding
entrepreneurs that has helped you more than any other advice?
HILTON: Be humble. My first job, I was taking out the trash and taking lunch
orders. It didn’t discourage me because everyone starts from somewhere—
don’t think you are too good for menial tasks.
RAINE: As entrepreneur, what has been your biggest challenge and what
steps did you take to successfully reach your goals?
HILTON: I would say when I was younger, I had some people in business
that mistook my shyness and tried to take advantage of me because I was
young. I was baffled—why would people want to do this to me? Ultimately,
I worked hard to prove them wrong.
At the end of the day, I love fashion and I love dressing up. I couldn’t
imagine doing anything else. I feel grateful that I found my calling at a very
young age - I ALWAYS knew what I wanted to be in fashion. RAINE: What is your ultimate goal in fashion?
HILTON: I don’t look at it as a race, but I know I will definitely plan on
expanding my brand. I love accessories: eyewear and footwear. Something
that has always interested me is home decor. I love picking up things for
my home. RAINE: Who has been the biggest influence on your life as an entrepreneur
and why?
HILTON: My sister, because she is a business woman. She has over 20
brands and really has a vision, and it’s very reflective of her--even the logo
with the tiara is very her. It wasn’t an overnight thing. She was very strategic
about it.
She was also one of the pioneers of reality television—getting paid to show
up somewhere. Once she conquered that, she evolved the brand and
started DJ’ing—now getting paid to entertain the party. RAINE: What are some of your other passions?
HILTONI love to cook, especially Italian. I love reading, especially now, since
having written my own book. These days I am burning through a book a
week. RAINE: The pursuit of happiness. What does that mean to you?
HILTON: Balance, in your personal and professional life. If you can achieve
both of those, and not let one take priority over the other... you are in good
shape. RAINE: What words of wisdom would you like to share with other
entrepreneurs?
HILTON: Write your ideas down, or type them in your cellphone. The best
ideas come when you least expect it. ELUXE by Nicky Hilton dress, L.A.M.B. shoes,
Parulina Earrings and Cuff, both rings by
Larucci *Prices Available Upon Request*
Kevin Johnn top, belt and skirt, ELUXE by Nicky
Hilton camisole (worn underneath), L.A.M.B shoes,
Pico Jewelry Diamond Earrings in 18K Gold, Diamond
Cocktail Ring in 18K White Gold and Diamond Necklace
in 18K White Gold *Prices Available Upon Request*