Effortless Style: Nicky Hilton
Nicky Hilton has made her mark in the business world. As an entrepreneur, model, and fashion designer, the glamorous socialite wears many hats. And even though the “Hilton” name was once synonymous with luxury hotels, Nicky’s success expanded it to include some of the fashion industry’s top brands.
Nicky built up her own brand after launching her first fashion line called Chick by Nicky Hilton, designing handbags for the Japanese company Samantha Thavasa, and debuting her second clothing line Nicholai at New York City’s Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in 2007.
This fashion-forward businesswoman is now also an author, sharing her personal stories, style successes, and fashion mishaps in the ultimate guidebook to fashion, 365 Style (2014). Nicky Hilton built an internationally recognized brand that is flourishing faster than anyone could have imagined and, by the looks of it, she has no plans to slow down anytime soon.
RAINE: Can you talk about your new book, 365 Style? What would you like for the readers to take away from it?
HILTON: I love fashion, so I wrote this book for people who love fashion too, or are interested in it. I cover all sorts of different things, from style advice to quick fixes and tips. I’ve dedicated a whole chapter to travel—like what to pack and what to wear—as well as tried to educate the reader on what to save on and what to spend on.
RAINE: What was the “Aha!” moment?
HILTON: A few years ago, I became active on social media. People starting writing me and asking for style advice. I then thought it would be fun putting all of what I’ve learned into a book. It balances all sides of the spectrum, from what happens behind the scenes, from the perspectives of the spectator to the designer. Fashion is supposed to be fun. Don't take it too seriously.
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; it is the fastest way to burn through money. Really ask yourself: “Is it me? Is it flattering? Does it fit?” And, be unique; don't copy your favorite celebrities' styles. That is so boring. Also, create a mood board to help you find yourself. 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. They are 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: Why should people take an interest in their own personal sense of style?
HILTON: I think that when you look good, you feel good. I read this book, the Happiness Project (2009), and one of its mantras is: Act how you want to feel. My Mantra is: Dress how you want to feel.
RAINE: At the age of 17, you were already a budding entrepreneur, and you were designing handbags for Samantha Thavasa. Would you say that starting early prepared you for your future endeavors as a businesswoman?
HILTON: I am glad my father instilled that work ethic in us—my siblings and me. At every step of the way, I found myself wanting to outdo myself and be better than I was.
When we started making money from our endeavors, it was very fulfilling. We have worked for everything we have. We've made some mistakes along the way—we were young and thought we knew it all—but at the end of the day, our parents knew 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 that 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 this collection into three [types of] women:
1. California transplant: The bohemian girl with some cover-ups and dresses.
2. Uptown NY: A preppy uptown girl.
3. Downtown NY: The sexy downtown girls with lace tops and dresses. (I love lingerie inspired pieces. They are effortlessly sexy.)
RAINE: Has being a Hilton allowed you more access to business opportunities that helped your build your brand as an entrepreneur?
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. At the end of the day, the product will speak for itself.
RAINE: From your own experience, what’s the most helpful piece of business advice would you offer a budding entrepreneur?
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 an entrepreneur, what has been your biggest challenge, and what steps did you take to successfully reach your goals?
HILTON: I would say that when I was younger, people mistook my shyness [for weakness] and tried to take advantage of me. 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 feel grateful that I found my calling at a very young age. I ALWAYS knew what I wanted to be in fashion. I couldn't imagine doing anything else.
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 décor; 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 businesswoman. 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 deejaying, now getting paid to entertain the party.
RAINE: What are some of your other passions?
HILTON: I 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 into your cellphone. The best ideas come when you least expect them.