Paris Hilton is no stranger to turning heads, but her latest photo shoot for NYLON has undoubtedly pushed boundaries. The 43-year-old mogul, fashion icon, and reality star, known for her trendsetting looks and bold personality, shocked fans with one of her most provocative shoots yet, appearing topless on the September cover of NYLON. The look was daring, with Paris wearing nothing but a pair of unbuttoned jeans, folded low at the waist, while cleverly holding two ice cream cones over her chest to preserve her modesty.
While the photoshoot captured attention for its daring visuals, the accompanying interview provided a deeper insight into Hilton’s evolution as a woman, musician, and public figure. In the wide-ranging interview with longtime friend and singer Bebe Rexha, Hilton opened up about the launch of her upcoming album Infinite Icon, the struggles of managing ADHD, and her ongoing efforts to shed the “dumb blonde” persona she embodied early in her career.
A New Chapter in Music
Hilton, who first stepped into the world of music with her 2006 debut album Paris, expressed her excitement about releasing her sophomore album, nearly two decades later. The 12-track record, titled Infinite Icon, marks a significant evolution for Hilton, who describes the album as deeply personal, reflecting her newfound maturity and growth.
Reflecting on her collaboration with powerhouse vocalist Sia, Hilton admitted the partnership brought out an unexpected side of her. “To have someone like Sia believe in me made me believe in myself even more,” Hilton shared. “She pushed me to use my real voice, not the breathy, party-girl tone I used in the 2000s.” In fact, Sia helped Hilton step out of her comfort zone, pushing her to sing with authenticity. Hilton revealed that her debut album was more about partying and living in the moment. However, her new work digs deeper into personal stories and emotional experiences.
One of the standout tracks on the upcoming album is titled “ADHD,” which Hilton wrote as a way to empower others dealing with the disorder. “I’ve never really heard a pop star sing about ADHD before,” she said. “I wanted to let people know they can still make their dreams come true, and not to listen to those who are negative about it.”
Paris’ Journey of Self-Discovery
Beyond the glitz and glam, Hilton has been on a long path of self-discovery and healing. Once seen as the ultimate party girl and “dumb blonde,” Hilton now wants the world to see her true self. Over the years, she has opened up about her traumatic experiences, including the horrific abuse she endured at a boarding school in Utah, and the violation she felt when her infamous sex tape was released without her consent.
Now, through her memoir, documentary, and music, Hilton is reclaiming her narrative. “People don’t see me as that character anymore,” she noted. “They see me as a human being with feelings, that I’m real and I’m vulnerable.” This vulnerable side of Hilton contrasts starkly with the glamorous persona she curated in the early 2000s. In the interview, Hilton explained that the “baby voice” and ditsy demeanor she used during The Simple Life was a mask—one she created as a response to the trauma she experienced in her youth.
Battling ADHD
During the interview, Hilton candidly discussed her struggles with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a condition she was not officially diagnosed with until her twenties. “As a teenager, I just assumed something was wrong with me,” she admitted. “I couldn’t remember anything, and I couldn’t concentrate in class.” While it was difficult to understand at first, Hilton now sees her ADHD as a strength. “We can hyperfocus on things that we care about. If you can harness it in the right way, it can be a superpower.Despite the challenges that came with it, Hilton believes that ADHD has played a key role in her success. In fact, she has dedicated an entire song to it on her album, hoping to break the stigma and inspire others who face similar struggles.
Navigating Fame and Family Life
Over the years, Hilton has had to navigate the pressures of fame in ways few others can imagine. Early in her career, she often saw fame as the ultimate validation, but she now views it through a different lens, especially after becoming a wife and mother. “Now that I have my own family, I’ve realized what’s most important in life,” she shared. Married to venture capitalist Carter Reum, Hilton welcomed her first child, a son, in early 2023. Motherhood has shifted her priorities, helping her see her public image in a new light. Rather than seeking validation, she now views her fame as a platform to make others happy and create positive change.Despite her worldwide recognition, Hilton revealed that she sometimes resorts to wearing disguises—such as a short black wig, oversized sunglasses, and a hoodie—just to enjoy simple outings like trips to Disneyland or the farmers market with her kids.
Continuing to Shine
As she gears up to release Infinite Icon, Hilton remains at the forefront of pop culture. Her friendship with artists like Megan Thee Stallion, with whom she has a collaboration on her upcoming album, speaks to her enduring relevance in the entertainment world. And while she may have been known for her fun, carefree attitude in the past, the woman gracing the cover of NYLON is showing the world that she’s much more than just a socialite or a reality TV star—she’s an icon in her own right, ready to redefine her legacy.