Exclusive interview with pop culture icon Paris Hilton

“Some girls are just born with glitter in their veins.” These are Paris Hilton’s words and they speak volumes about the Hilton heiress’ glamorous aura, as well as her bling, Y2K aesthetic that is more fashionable than ever today. Yet, they don’t take into account the crucial role of this icon of pop culture. Reality TV star, DJ, singer and actress, the 43-year-old has been a trend setter for years, from the selfie and the terry joggers to the influencer’s lifestyle, that is to say, the art of being known for being known.

However, Paris Hilton has also played a major role in emphasizing mental health issues and has unveiled the truth lying behind the glittery veneer in both a documentary and a book, the moving Paris: The Memoir (2023). The jetsetter and businesswoman at the top of an empire opened up about her attention deficit disorder and the abuses she suffered from as a teenager sent to a center for troubled teens. We also learn that the persona she created for herself as the superficial blonde bombshell wearing microdresses and carrying her mini dog around was designed to help her survive and overcome her traumas. Recently, she has also shared some personal insights about her use of a surrogate mother.

With a new album produced by Sia scheduled for June, and a photo exhibition by Markus Klinko at Le Royal Monceau in Paris, opening on April 4th, 2024, the star has given exclusive answers to Numéro’s questions.

Exclusive interview with Paris Hilton about her new album and the photo exhibition she’s starring in.

Numéro: Following on the release of your first record, Paris, in 2006, your new album is scheduled for June 2024. What can you tell us about it?
Paris Hilton: I’m so excited about my new album! My friend Sia is the executive producer and I’m honored to be working with her. She is one of the greatest songwriters of our time. This album is pure pop bliss and it resonates in a deeply personal way for me. I’m so proud of what we have created together and I can’t wait for the world to hear it.

I’m so grateful to everyone who has supported me.” Paris Hilton

Your memoirs, published last year, will soon be adapted into a series and you also have several TV shows in the making. What is your most exciting project at the moment?

Perfume is very close to my heart and has become a key element of my life. Paris Hilton for Women was my first venture and a dream come true. I’ve released 29 fragrances so far and this year marks the 20th anniversary of my brand! It’s been such an incredible journey and I’m so glad I have been able to share each of these unique fragrances with the world. Each fragrance is nostalgic and encapsulates a special moment of my life. I’m so grateful to everyone who has supported me and still wears my fragrances.

In April, you will be at the heart of an exhibition by photographer Markus Klinko at Le Royal Monceau in Paris. Can you tell us more about this photo series taken in Beverly Hills?
Markus entitled the series Paris in Wonderland. There is a powerful, surreal atmosphere to it. It definitely is a couture fantasy, with references to old Hollywood, but also futuristic overtones! Greta Garbo’s former Beverly Hills mansion offered the ideal setting for the concept.

Markus Klinko photographed you back in 2000. How did the reunion go?

It was a real joy for both of us to collaborate once again after all these years. We did a first shoot 24 years ago, and we hope we’ll be able to continue doing more projects together and much more often.

Are there any hidden references to your life in these photographs?

In 2000, Markus took a picture of me standing up on two chairs in a gigantic ballroom in New York. We reenacted that scenario in Greta Garbo’s mansion in Beverly Hills. In this photograph, I’m wearing a glamorous jumpsuit from the Michael Kors Collection.

The exhibition “Bowie, Beyoncé & Beyond” by Markus Klinko, featuring exclusive images of Paris Hilton, will open on April 4th, 2024, at the Art District (Bel-Air Fine Art) gallery of Le Royal Monceau in Paris.

Traduction by Emma Naroumbo Armaing.