Nicky Hilton on her biggest style mistake: ‘We had no idea how bad it was for us’

Each week, we quiz a prominent person about their style and the inspiration behind it. Ahead, Socialite and fashion designer Nicky Hilton.

On Sundays, you will find Hilton in sweatpants and a cashmere sweater.Credit: Courtesy of Rebecca Vallance

How would you describe your style? Classic with an edge.

What’s the oldest thing in your wardrobe? I’ve been collecting vintage lockets since I was eight years old. Some open and have photos inside, some have engravings, and the oldest might be the beautiful locket I found in a flea market in Paris – it’s sort of industrial, like a padlock.

And the most recent addition? A faux python trench coat from Alice + Olivia.

What would you wear … on a first date? Leather pants, a cute top and heels … on a plane? I wish I could say something more glamorous but it’s a Pangaia tracksuit and Adidas sneakers … on the red carpet? I love Oscar de la Renta – it’s classic, modern and elegant.

What’s your favourite fashion era? I love the juxtaposition between grunge and glamour in the ’90s, and the effortlessly cool style of the supermodels.

Do you have a favourite designer? Everything Rebecca Vallance does is sexy, fun, flirty and so well made. I also love Alaïa and Miu Miu.

What’s your fragrance of choice? After wearing Houbigant “Quelques Fleurs” for 15 years, I’ve just started wearing Hermès “Barénia”. I love it – it’s sweet, feminine and pretty.

What are the three essential items in your wardrobe? A great cocktail dress. I can’t live without a well-fitting blazer – I love Max Mara and Saint Laurent’s classic black “Le Smoking” jacket – and my ballet flats.

Any go-to jewellery? I love personalised pieces with significant dates, my children’s names, or something that reminds me of a special time or place. My husband had a locket made for my 30th birthday with my birthstone, a picture of my cat and all these special little things.

Can you remember a favourite outfit you wore as a child? A grey overall dress with a little white puff-sleeve top I wore to death when I was about seven. I would come home from school, take off my uniform and get right into it.

What was your first fashion moment? A big moment was in 2001, the year I graduated from high school, when [older sister] Paris and I wore matching red satin Mark Bouwer gowns to the VH1 Vogue Fashion Awards. We had a smoky eye and were very tan.

And your worst fashion mistake? The tanning-bed era. We had no idea how bad it was for us.

What’s on your fashion wish list? I’m loving all the new-season Miu Miu bags and shoes with the schoolgirl-core vibe.

Nicky Hilton likes Aquazzura heels for evenings and events.

Is there something you would never wear? Birkenstocks. Apparently, they’re extremely comfortable, but I find them deeply unattractive.

What do you sleep in? A Printfresh robe – they’re lightweight and come in fun prints – and fuzzy socks.

Is there a current trend you like? I’m loving seeing bows everywhere. I’ve been watching the runways in Paris, where bows are reigning supreme, and we used a lot in the Nicky Hilton for Rebecca Vallance collection. The “Leyla” dress in sequin-embellished lace has diamanté bows all down the front, it really feels like a piece of jewellery. It’s such a special dress.

What shoes do you wear most often? Nicky Hilton x French Sole ballet flats - the perfect combination of comfort and elegance. I love an Aquazzura heel for evening and events.

Who’s your favourite fashion icon? I love Jackie Onassis’ style – classic, ladylike, elegant.

What do you wear on a typical working day? Jeans, a button-down shirt, a blazer and ballerina flats.

What’s your favourite off-duty, casual Sunday look? Sweatpants and a cosy cashmere sweater. I’ll be hanging out with the kids, cooking, chilling and not leaving the house.

The Nicky Hilton for Rebecca Vallance “Holiday” capsule collection is available now. Nicky will attend the Lexus Melbourne Cup.

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