Nicky Hilton returns to Birdcage for Melbourne Cup Carnival as guest of Lexus Australia

After their memorable 2003 Melbourne Cup debut, one half of the Hilton sisters is returning to the Birdcage for this year’s carnival — minus the mini skirts and orange fake tan.

They created a media frenzy the likes of which had never been seen before inside Flemington’s Birdcage.

Paris and Nicky Hilton the heiresses’ of the famous hotel chain were Hollywood’s ‘it’ girls and when they brought their silk slip miniskirts, peroxide locks and orange tans to the hallowed track in 2003, Melbourne lost its mind (and so did one well-known local singer in Rob Mills).

Fittingly to celebrate the 21st anniversary, older sibling Nicky is returning to the Melbourne Cup Carnival.

Things are a lot different now.

US socialites Paris and Nicky Hilton caused a stir on Derby Day in 2003. Picture: Gregg Porteous.

Nicky Hilton will be returning to the track for the 21st anniversary. Picture: Julian Smith.

Oozing sophistication, the 41-year-old has a double barrelled surname, going by Nicky Hilton Rothschild after marrying into another famous American dynasty.

She and James Rothschild have three children together, with her socialite and financier husband also attend the track with her as exclusive guests of principal partner Lexus.

She is also returning as a fashion designer, having recently collaborated with Ballarat-born fashion "It" girl herself, Rebecca Vallance who Hilton has described as like a third sister. Vallance certainly has the legs, the hair and the poise to look the part.

“No one loves dressing up for the holidays more than me,” Hilton said as she prepares to attend the Lexus Melbourne Cup after launching their collection in LA on the weekend with guests including Kris Jenner, star stylist Rachel Zoe and Aussie supermodel Jess Hart.

“While making the collection and going through my favourite looks from Rebecca Vallance, we discovered we were drawn to a lot of the same design details and references, which was such an exciting and delightful process’.

Vallance’s bow dresses were the standout hit at last year’s track, with her eponymous brand going from strength to strength.

Hilton says designer Rebecca Vallance is like a ‘third sister’ to her.

Rebecca Vallance’s signature ’bow dresses’ were a hit at last year’s Melbourne Cup.

“I’m incredibly proud to have had the chance to work with my good friend, Nicky Hilton — an international icon — on creating a truly special collection. Together, we’ve brought to life a range that reflects everything we both cherish, timeless style, impeccable craftsmanship, and a celebration of femininity. These are values we hold close at Rebecca Vallance, and it’s been such a joy to share them with Nicky throughout this collaboration.”

Lexus Australia chief executive John Pappas told the Herald Sun he looked forward to welcoming Nicky as a very special guest on Lexus Melbourne Cup Day.

“We are delighted to welcome Nicky as our exclusive guest. Nicky is a global style icon whose sophistication and elegance aligns naturally with the Lexus brand. Nicky’s presence at Landmark by Lexus with internationally successful Australian fashion designer Rebecca Vallance adds further allure to the Melbourne Cup Carnival.”

Originally published as Nicky Hilton returns to Birdcage for Melbourne Cup Carnival as guest of Lexus Australia