Nicky Hilton on ‘iconic’ outfit that ‘changed Melbourne Cup forever’
Nicky Hilton is back at Melbourne Cup, 21 years after she and her sister Paris caused a “frenzy” inside the prestigious Birdcage.
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Nicky Hilton Rothschild has opened up about her “iconic” Melbourne Cup outfit 21 years after she caused a “frenzy” inside the prestigious Birdcage.
Hilton was widely credited – alongside her sister Paris – with “changing Melbourne Cup forever” after the hotel heiress siblings wore outfits that had “never been seen” trackside before.
While Paris wore a barely-there floral top that showed off her back and flaunted her belly button, Hilton wore a pink silk slip dress with spaghetti straps and lace detailing.
“I think the pink slip dress look was pretty iconic. It always sticks out to me. It was playful and not taking myself too seriously,” she told news.com.au ahead of her highly-anticipated attendance at the 2024 Lexus Melbourne Cup.
“I look back at those at times with extreme fondness. There was sort of a sweet innocence about the outfits Paris and I wore.
“We were just buying clothing we liked. There were no teams of stylists or glam teams telling us what to wear. It was very organic.”
Despite the controversy – some fashion commentators labelled the Hilton sisters’ appearance as “trashy” and “shocking” – their skimpy outfits left a lasting mark on Flemington Racecourse.
“I didn’t realise we’d had such an effect on race day style until recently, but I’m happy we were able to add a little fun and playfulness,” Hilton shared.
“It’s important to not take yourself too seriously, that’s when life gets boring.”
Despite the fact silk slip dresses are very much back in fashion at the moment, Hilton – now 41 – said she has no intentions of recreating her famous Cup Day look, instead turning to Australian designer and friend Rebecca Vallance to created a “bespoke” outfit.
“It will be a stark contrast from the look I wore years 20 years ago,” she said.
“When I was in Australia with my sister and we loved discovering all these new emerging Aussie brands and we always gravitated to the glitter and fun colour palettes.
“This time my outfits will be more refined; Rebecca and I have created some really chic custom looks for my trip.”
Hilton, who will be joined by her husband James Rothschild as an exclusive guest at LANDMARK by Lexus marquee, also recently launched the 31 piece Holiday collection with Vallance.
“It’s been so exciting seeing how well the collection is being received, they are the perfect dresses for the festive season. My friends and I have been wearing them non-stop,” she added.
“I have been a client of Rebecca’s for a few years now and I absolutely love her designs.
“A few years ago over some cocktails in NYC we came up with the idea to collaborate on a small capsule. We had so many ideas that the initial 6-8 dresses quickly grew to over 30 pieces.”
Vallance, who launched the high-end label of the same name at Paris Fashion Week back in 2011, will also be at trackside with Lexus alongside Hilton after the pair visited LA, London, Dubai and Morocco, to celebrate their partnership.
During the world tour, Kris Jenner, Princess Beatrice and of course, Nicky’s sister Paris Hilton have all been photographed wearing the designs.
Originally published as Nicky Hilton on ‘iconic’ outfit that ‘changed Melbourne Cup forever’
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