Paris Hilton’s Longtime Inspiration for Karl Lagerfeld

As 2026 unfolds, Paris Hilton is already making headlines. On January 20, the multi-talented entrepreneur debuted Infinite Icon, a “visual memoir” that chronicles her diverse roles as a businesswoman, former reality television star, activist, heiress, and mother, all seen through the lens of her successful career as a DJ.

Following the Los Angeles premiere, Hilton traveled to Washington, D.C., where she joined Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Laurel Lee to advocate for the DEFIANCE Act. This proposed legislation seeks to protect women and girls from image-based abuse.

In an exclusive reveal by Glamour, Hilton has also been announced as the face of the spring 2026 campaign for Karl Lagerfeld Paris, coinciding with her upcoming 45th birthday on February 17.

Paris holds the Evelina Bucket Bag.

Paris wears the Bow Pocket Jacket, Bow Pocket Pants, Sheenz Slingbacks, and Lafayette crossbody bag.

Photographed in Paris, France, by Chris Colls, the campaign highlights Hilton’s skills in front of the camera. “We shot it in Paris at Karl’s beautiful office building,” she remarked to Glamour. “Just being in such a historic building was so amazing. You could just feel the energy in the room.”

Featuring pieces from the US-exclusive Karl Lagerfeld Paris collection, the campaign includes the standout pink Patch Bomber Jacket, priced at $250. This item is adorned with patches of the Eiffel Tower and Lagerfeld’s beloved cat, Choupette, alongside his cartoon caricature. “I loved every single piece,” Hilton added.

Karl Lagerfeld, who served as the creative director of Chanel for nearly 40 years until his passing in 2019, launched his own label with a focus on ready-to-wear fashion and a rock ‘n’ roll aesthetic. “I’ve always loved Karl,” Hilton said. “He’s such a fashion icon, and I always looked up to him and loved everything that he designed.”

Following Lagerfeld’s legacy, current creative director Hun Kim has continued to foster a relationship with Hilton, who is once again the face of the Karl Lagerfeld global campaign for the second consecutive season. She previously represented the fall 2025 collection and DJ’d at a VIP party during Paris Fashion Week last year.

In her discussion with Glamour, Hilton shared her thoughts on her collaboration and her personal style philosophy, as well as her activism.

Glamour: What drew you to the Karl Lagerfeld campaign for the second season in a row?

Paris Hilton: It was such an honor when I got the call from my team that they wanted me to be the face of the campaign. It just feels like a family environment over there because everyone’s so kind and lovely and creative. The campaign last year turned out so beautifully, and it was loved all around the world. So when they asked me to come back and do the campaign again, it was an immediate “yes.”

Do you have any favorite memories of Karl?

I remember the first time I met him. It was my and my sister’s first time in Paris for Fashion Week. I was 19, and we were over with my mom at Valentino’s house. I just remember Karl coming up to my mom and asking if he could take photos of my sister and me. His energy and his vibe was just so cool.

Karl Lagerfeld and Paris Hilton at the International Launch of Dom Perignon Rose Vintage 1996 Champagne by Karl Lagerfeld on June 2, 2006.

Kevin Winter/Getty Images

Later, we saw each other again, and he told me how he loved my show, The Simple Life. That meant so much to me. Then he asked me to DJ his birthday, which we did on the yacht; it was so much fun. He just had this aura and presence. The way he shaped fashion for decades—he’s just such a timeless icon.

Like Karl, you’ve become known for a specific, iconic aesthetic: blonde hair, heels, and sparkle. Do you think, like Karl, you’ll have this signature aesthetic for life?

There are so many different sides to me, so it just depends on what I’m doing. I’m everything from a businesswoman to an advocate, a mom, a pop star, and an artist. I do it all. So I always dress for the occasion, but I always have my signature sparkle. I’ll always love pink.

I definitely have my own aesthetic, and I feel like I’ll always stay true to that in all the different versions of me and facets of my life.

Do you remember your first Karl-designed purchase that you spent your own money on?

I remember when I got my first pair of fingerless gloves that he designed. I loved them. I collect them now. Ever since those first fingerless gloves, I probably own like 3,000 pairs of them.

I feel like that’s my signature too. When I DJ or if I’m on my cooking show, it’s just part of the aesthetic. That’s something that was inspired by him; it has stayed with me my whole life.

Hilton wears fingerless gloves, the Patch Bomber Jacket, Co-Ord Compression Skirt, Lafayette Satchel, and Kelsa Heeled booties.

Tell me about Infinite Icon. Do you have any favorite looks in the film?

There were so many incredible pieces. I love all of my custom performance looks, which I worked on with The Blonds. I’ve been friends with them for many years. I’ve walked in so many of their runway shows. Their pieces are like artwork, and seeing them on the big screen in the film is awesome because they’re so detailed; there are crystals, and they’re sparkling. It just looks like a shining diamond on stage.

Is there a specific motif or theme for your DJ looks?

When I’m either DJing or singing and performing, I just go into pop star Paris mode—like sparkles and just bringing it. I love outfit changes. During my concert, I have like five outfit changes, which is kind of hard because we have like a minute to change in between things.

I love making a statement and being on stage and feeling like I’m bringing the light and sparkle. That’s just part of my personality as well.

When I was in Paris during Fashion Week, I worked with the Karl Lagerfeld team, and they created these custom performance outfits for me. They’re so incredible—with fingerless gloves attached to the sleeves and dresses in different colors with corsets that sparkle. I also loved the performance outfit that the Karl Lagerfeld team and Hun Kim, the creative director, designed for me to wear.

What’s been the best reaction you’ve gotten about the film?

I’ve just been so touched watching everybody pack the theaters, all in pink velour tracksuits with their friends and seeing people dancing during the movie or getting emotional—having a rollercoaster of feelings.

Hearing from people about how much the film meant to them and how inspiring it was makes me feel incredibly proud. It highlights how resilient I’ve been and how I’ve always been ahead of my time. I’ve created a blueprint that’s inspired millions around the world.

You wear multiple hats in your career, from pop star to advocate. How do you strike a balance among these diverse roles?

I love the opportunity to wear so many styles. There’s a time and place for everything. On stage, it’s more about the sparkles and fun. Meanwhile, my serious side sees me in suits, embodying an understated elegance.

I enjoy being able to express myself in different ways. When I’m at home with my kids, I’m at my most laid-back, in tracksuits and socks, just relaxing with them and my pets.

What can you share about your recent advocacy work regarding image-based abuse?

That work is really meaningful to me. After my experience at 19, there were no laws to protect me. Now, having seen the power of my voice to create change, I’ve helped pass two federal bills and nearly 20 state laws to protect children. Everything that’s happening, especially with AI, is alarming; these laws haven’t caught up yet, allowing people to create harmful content without repercussions.

It’s essential for individuals to know they can find justice and hold offenders accountable, rather than letting them escape unscathed.

What’s the biggest misconception about you?

For a long time, people thought they knew who I was, but that persona was just based on a character I created for The Simple Life. So obviously, there were misconceptions around that.

I’ve always understood how I presented myself. From early on, I knew I was crafting a character for protection. When I got The Simple Life, producers encouraged me to maintain that persona. It’s gratifying to see how people are beginning to understand the real me, which is much more than that initial impression.

If your children showed an interest in pursuing a reality show, would you encourage it?

I want my kids to find happiness and support whatever they choose to do.

I remember when I was offered The Simple Life, my mom advised against it. Yet after seeing it air, she called me to say, “I was wrong about this. I’m incredibly proud of you and Nicole; the show is hilarious!”

I hope my children are inspired by my journey as an entrepreneur and the businesses I’ve built. While I see value in The Simple Life, reality television can sometimes present a toxic environment, so I’m hesitant to endorse that path. However, I remain open and supportive of whatever they wish to explore.

Do you watch a lot of reality TV these days?

No. The only reality show I’ve ever watched is The Simple Life.

Other reality shows only come to my attention through brief clips on TikTok. I’m busy with work and, when I’m not working, spending time with my kids is my priority.

What is your go-to thank-you gift?

I love gifting people my new skincare line Parívie. I’ve spent the last three years developing it and have been thrilled with the results shared by users. The beautiful packaging makes it an ideal gift.

How do you sign off your emails?

It depends on the recipient. For business communications, I simply use “Paris Hilton.” For friends, I might sign off with a heart and “Paris.”