Nicky Hilton Says Hello Valentino Says Goodbye

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

11 Sep 2007 05:08 PM

And you thought she just partied all the time. Apparently, Paris Hilton's shadow, I mean, sister, Nicky actually has a day job---fashion designer.

Sure, she gets press for her handbag line (it's very successful in Japan), but her big debut at New York Fashion Week was the 23-year-old's first taste of what it really takes to be considered a contender in the fashion world.

Ironically, most of the people in the audience for the unveiling of Hilton's new line were celebrities with their own fashion collections, including Russell Simmons. The creator of the popular Phat Farm brand (which he recently sold for close to $150 million) said because of her name (and relation to her jailbird sibling) Hilton had to really deliver some head-turning designs to be taken seriously.

From the crowd's response Hilton may have convinced a few people she was legit. According to fashion experts, Hilton's new collection Nicholai (which is her real name) included some trendy takes. The outfits getting the most attention included a black silk cape over a white dress shirt paired with mini-shorts, a flirty black strapless dress, and a pricey chain embroidered emerald jersey dress wrapped in tulle. The spring 2008 line also featured bandeau bikinis; bright summer dresses in tangerine and fuschia, and silk jersey evening gowns.

While Hilton's parents looked on from the front row, noticeably absent (planned I'm sure) was Nicky's party girl sister Paris.

Meanwhile, across the Atlantic the fashionably elite were saying goodbye to a true fashion icon---Valentino. Despite pleas from his adoring fans around the world, the 74-year-old fashion legend retired last week.

"At this time, I have decided that is the perfect moment to say adieu to the world of fashion," the designer said in a statement. "As the English say, I would like to leave the party when it is still full."

The popular designer has dressed everyone from Oprah to Sophia Loren, Julia Roberts to Anne Hathaway. (And countless other fabulously rich women who could afford to drop $10,000 for a ready to wear gown.) Lucky for them Valentino announced he will be on hand for Paris fashion week in October to show off one last haute couture collection.

As for his label, Valentino says it will continue under new design leadership. No doubt Valentino's retirement will be a source of grief for many celebrities who have donned his gowns for trips down the red carpet.

Long time muse actress Uma Thurman called Valentino's designs, "elegant" and "powerful." She went on to tell reporters: "When I wear his clothes, I feel privileged."

It's a privilege I have never experienced and now know I will never experience.

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Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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