In the past few years, Paris Hilton has peeled back the airhead heiress persona that made her a household name, proving that behind it was a savvy businesswoman creating a brand that has lasted decades.
Now a mother who is “sliving”, a phrase she coined that combines slaying and living your best life, she is content being herself. Here, she sits down with WHO to talk about her new music, being a mother and why she feels like “another person”.
What has surprised you most about motherhood?
Everything! Every day is amazing. Just waking up and seeing my kids smile makes my life feel so complete. I just want to be with them every second.
How are you coping with two children under 2?
I’m lucky because they are both so good and so quiet. They are just the best. They don’t cry. They sleep fine. They are just angels. I am totally ‘sliving’ being a mum!
Are you concerned about your children growing up in the spotlight, as you did?
I am, but I am going to protect them. I just want them to be happy and, if they do grow up and want to be in this business, I’m still going to be super protective. And, of course, I am going to support anything that they want to do.
You have also been busy working on a new fashion line. What can you tell us about that?
It’s inspired by lots of things I love from my own closet. It’s very much affordable luxury and it’s all my favourite looks and designs – a lot of pastels, pinks, beautiful prints that I actually drew brought together for everyone to enjoy. It’s really special.
You always look so stylish. What do you wear when you’re just home relaxing with the kids?
I love being in sweats – that’s my favourite. That’s my uniform when I’m home with Carter and the babies: big sweats and socks.
What has it been like reuniting with Nicole Richie for The Simple Life revival show, Paris & Nicole: The Encore?
So much fun. It’s like being teenagers again when we’re together. We have been having just the best time reliving some memories from that time and The Simple Life. We just never stop laughing.
Many have said that you pioneered the craze for reality TV that was to follow The Simple Life. What do you say to that?
It makes me proud that people might think that and that people still enjoy and remember what we did back then. But yeah, I feel like I have always been ahead
of my time and a trailblazer in that way. I feel very grateful.
Is there anything else left for you to blaze a trail in or have you done it all now?
I don’t know if I have done it all, but I’m happy. I feel like all my wishes have come true because I have my beautiful family. My businesses are doing well, but my whole world now is all about Carter and our babies. I have never felt more fulfilled in life.
Do you feel that people are seeing you differently now?
Yeah, it’s like I’m another person. For so long, I was just playing this character and people thought that I was basically that. Now, I finally feel like people respect me and look up to me. I have been really misunderstood and underestimated because of the character I created. I can understand why people felt that way about me, but now everyone knows who I truly am and what I have been through. It’s an incredible feeling to receive so much love and support from everybody around the world.
It has been 18 years since you last released an album. Why so long?
I don’t know. I have just been waiting for the right time. After my documentary, This Is Paris, and then releasing my memoir right after that, it just felt right to complete the story of my life right now with an album. But I have always loved music. I have been working around the world as a DJ and making music for years, but I am so excited to finally have this new album. I really think Infinite Icon is going to blow people’s minds. Every song is incredible.
How did your collaboration with Sia come about?
We have been friends for a couple of years. And then after Miley Cyrus asked me to sing ‘Stars Are Blind’ with her on New Year’s Eve, Sia and I flew home together. I was so busy with everything else, but she really encouraged me to think about doing another album. I really wasn’t sure I could, but she was like, “What if I write it with you as executive producer?” How can you say no to that? She immediately started sending me tons of songs. She just got my vibe right away. I loved working with her.
Would you say being a mother has changed your musical style at all?
Totally. Music in general has taken on a whole new meaning now I’m a mother. The best thing is that I have a recording studio at my house, so I got to have Phoenix with me when I recorded this album. He loves it.
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