Growing up in New York City’s Waldorf Astoria, Nicky Hilton’s daily life felt like a real-life version of the beloved children’s book series, Eloise. “People watch there to a higher degree,” Hilton told the Observer. “You’d get on an elevator with a pop star or a president or an Oscar-winning actor — there’s always some interesting person or group of people there. Things happen. Paris and I used to like to sneak into the ballroom and see what was going on,” she said of the holiday season, which still retains its magic for the hotel heiress. I am now married and raising three children in New York.
“The holidays are my favorite time of year to dress up because you can get in the festive spirit and have fun sparkling,” said Hilton, who collaborated with Australian designer Rebecca Vallance on a collection The collection does double duty with an embellished dress (and a jumpsuit). “Some pieces are like jewelry because of the sequins and crystals and bows,” she continued, adding with a laugh, “I don’t have to buy a holiday dress all season long.
While she’ll be packing some of her favorite designs (including a Leyla minidress with a diamond bow) as she heads to Los Angeles to spend Christmas with her family, she still has a few festive events on her list in New York. “One of my favorite traditions is going to the Double Room for Christmas lunch,” she said of the private dining club. “My mom used to take me there when I was a kid, and now I take my kids — it’s the most magical, joyful place in the world.”
Another cherished holiday tradition for Hilton is preparing for the annual children’s event, which she hosts as a board member of God’s Love We Deliver. The nonprofit organization, which provides meals to New Yorkers who are too sick to shop or prepare food on their own, will host a Friends Day event on January 28 at the Museum of Ice Cream. ” explained Hilton, who helped the organization serve its 40 millionth meal shortly before our call. “This year, my sister Paris will be co-hosting with myself and DJ. It was the most incredible day, the kids went crazy and we raised a ton of vital funds for Love of God.
Amid the holiday festivities, The Observer chatted with Hilton about her essentials—from the skincare products she keeps on hand (yes, even when she’s traveling) to the ultimate room service order.
