#INTERVIEW: Paris Hilton speaks to L’Officiel Arabia on Reinvention, Legacy, and Being the New Face of KARL LAGERFELD

Paris Hilton

Paris Hilton is the new face of KARL LAGERFELD for the Fall/Winter 2025 campaign. We caught up with her in an exclusive interview, to gain insight into the partnership. Hilton speaks about her personal and professional evolution, honouring the brand’s legacy, and how she brings her signature style to Karl Lagerfeld’s iconic aesthetic.

On the Campaign

L'Officiel Arabia: What made this campaign with KARL LAGERFELD feel like the right fit, right now?

Paris Hilton: "I have always loved Karl's boldness. He created his own world. He did not follow anyone else's rules. That energy really resonates with me. This campaign felt like the perfect way to celebrate that in a way true to both of us."

How does this partnership reflect how you've evolved — personally and professionally?

"I have always seen myself as a visionary. I am not afraid to take risks or redefine what is possible. Partnering with a house like KARL LAGERFELD feels aligned with that evolution. It combines timeless codes, reimagined in a way that feels fresh and modern."

What excites you most about being the campaign face for KARL LAGERFELD?

"It is a chance to show a different side of myself. I really took time to immerse myself in his world: his vision, his humor, his style. I love that I honor the house’s DNA and bring a little bit of Paris into the mix."

If you could describe this campaign in one word — or one phrase — what would it be?

"Iconic."

This campaign steps away from the image expected of you. What does that shift mean to you?

"It truly embodies my evolution throughout the years. I am more than just the girl you watched on The Simple Life. I am an advocate, a philanthropist, a mom, a pop star, and forever a fashion girl. I am no longer playing a character. I am just being me—every version of myself."

Is there one piece in the campaign that feels like the ultimate Paris-meets-Karl moment?

"Edgy chic meets glam and femininity is what comes to mind. I love the reimagined edit of the video where Karl interviews himself, but this time, he is asking me the questions. It is unexpected and fun."

What does the campaign mean to you?

"I am honored to continue Karl Lagerfeld’s iconic legacy. I embody his philosophy that you can evolve, shine, and still stay true to yourself. That is something I really believe in."

What does working with KARL LAGERFELD allow you to explore in your own identity?

"I love fashion. I always have so much fun any time I can experiment with my own signature looks and get a little edgy."

Karl was known for his sharp wit and even sharper tailoring. How do you make a power suit feel playful?

"Sparkles. And like Karl, a good pair of sunglasses."

You’ve been a muse and icon for decades—what does that word ‘icon’ mean to you in 2025?

"Being timeless, authentic, and having a good heart."

What special connection to the city do you have that carries your name?

"The shopping in Paris is amazing. It is always ahead of the fashion trends. Every time I go, I feel inspired in a whole new way."

On Karl

Karl’s aesthetic is instantly recognizable. How did you reinterpret it in your own way?

"By bringing my signature glam to his iconic looks."

Would you describe yourself more as Karl’s white shirt, his fingerless gloves, or his sunglasses? Why?

"Definitely his sunglasses. They are bold, mysterious, and they elevate every look."

There's a picture of you and Karl together, and he's whispering something in your ear... Can you tell us what he was telling you?

"Let’s just say he knew how to make me feel iconic. But a girl never reveals her secrets!"

If you could speak to Karl today, seeing the campaign, what would you say to him?

"Thank you for letting me be part of your iconic legacy and loving me for who I am."

If you could ask Karl one question, what would it be?

"What was his favorite look of mine from the Y2K era?"

What part of Karl’s personality do you see in yourself?

"His innovation."

If Karl had designed a signature look just for you, what would it look like?

"A tailored pink power suit with sharp lines, dramatic shoulders, and some well-placed sparkles!"

A night out in Paris with Karl — what would have been on the itinerary?

"Definitely shopping—something chic and spontaneous along Rue Saint-Honoré. Then a Sliving Cosmo for me and a Diet Coke for Karl, of course."

You’ve said before you live in a ‘Barbie world’—how does KARL LAGERFELD fit into it?

"Karl was a visionary. He knew how to take fantasy and turn it into fashion. In my world, being feminine and powerful go hand in hand, and that is exactly what his work celebrated."

On Paris’ Style, Image & Evolution

You have been a style icon from the start - how has your style evolved from the early days of your career to now?

"I have always dressed for the moment. Whatever inspired me, I wore it. In the beginning, I did not have a stylist. I just followed my instincts. Now I approach fashion with more intention, but that playful spirit is still there. I love collaborating, experimenting, and using style to express where I am at in life."

You’ve inspired the Y2K comeback. How does it feel seeing that era return?

"It makes me smile. That era was all about having fun with fashion. It is amazing to see a new generation put their own spin on it. I love watching the creativity come to life on TikTok. It is like a full-circle moment."

Do you see yourself more as a trendsetter or a reinventor of classics?

"Definitely a trendsetter."

You once described your earlier persona as a form of self-protection. How has letting go of that image changed the way you express yourself through fashion today?

"Letting go of that character has given me space to be bolder. I experiment more with fashion and feel more confident in who I am."

Is your fashion still your stage to play — or has it become more of a mirror of your true self?

"Fashion will always be a space where I get to play and dream, especially when I am performing or on set."

On Fashion as Personal Expression

What does fashion mean to you on a personal level?

"It is my favorite form of self-expression. It tells people who you are without saying a word."

Do you have a go-to piece in the KL FW25 collection that instantly makes you feel powerful?

"It is hard to choose between the suit and the blazer dress with the faux fur sleeves, but if I had to pick one, it is the power suit."

What does “power dressing” mean to you today — as a woman, a mother, and a changemaker?

"Feeling like your most confident self."

How do you express your authenticity through what you wear today?

"It depends on my mood. I am totally happy at home in a velour tracksuit and tee, but I still love getting dolled up in couture for a red carpet."

On Values, Influence & Legacy

How important is it to align with brands that share your values?

"I only partner with brands that share the same values of being authentic and real."

What values of KARL LAGERFELD resonate with you?

"Karl never followed the rules. He made his own. He was a trailblazer like me."

What does being a role model mean to you now — compared to earlier in your career?

"Doing what you love, spreading kindness, and making a difference in the world."

You’ve always defied expectations. Do you see yourself and Karl as kindred spirits in that way?

"Definitely."

Karl believed in constant reinvention. How has that guided your journey?

"I have always learned from my experiences. I truly feel like every stage of my life has helped shaped the person I am today. I am proud of myself for being resilient and embracing change."