Spring is in the air, and with it comes a renewed desire to refresh our wardrobes. GRAZIA USA sat down with fashion icon Nicky Hilton to discuss her latest collaboration with French Sole — a ballet flat shoe collection that embodies the spirit of the season — along with her take on sustainable practices and timeless design.
A Celebration of Femininity and Classic Comfort
Hilton’s love for ballet flats started in the ’80s with memories of her mom, Kathy Hilton, picking her up from school, always dressed in “leggings and ballet flats.” Fast forward to today, and Hilton has created a line of her own fashion-forward flats.
The fashion designer describes her collection with French Sole as the “perfect combination of comfort and elegance.” Featuring playful and chic designs, each shoe is crafted with premium materials and French Sole’s signature comfort.
The new spring collection incorporates the season’s hottest trends, like pastel colors and floral prints, while staying true to Hilton’s design philosophy. “I love introducing the spring colors in some of our best-seller classics,” she tells GRAZIA. “[This season] I’ve been adding lots of Easter egg color pastels; I love a lilac, mint green, and butter yellow.”
Inspiration from Family and Timeless Appeal
When it comes to creating unique designs, Hilton finds inspiration close to home. “The ‘Kathy,’ it just reminds me of her,” she says of the collection’s classic ballet flat named after her mom. “It’s classic, timeless, and will never go out of style.”
The “Paris,” a leopard print flat, pays homage to her sister, Paris Hilton, known for her love of bold style. “Most people wouldn’t associate her with flats, but Paris loves a flat, especially if she’s at a music festival,” she shares. “And I thought the leopard print was just wild and fun, just like her.”
Hilton emphasizes the importance of creating versatile pieces that can be worn year-round. This philosophy is evident in her shoe designs, like the Kathy flat in praline, which Nicky describes as “a really good tan shoe” that “literally goes with everything.”
Beyond the Collection: Spring Style Trends
The 40-year-old fashion designer dives deeper into the world of spring fashion, sharing her excitement for other trends beyond footwear. “I love sundresses,” she exclaims. “It’s been so cold in New York, so I’m very looking forward to pairing my sundresses with my French Sole flats.”
She also highlights the return of classic trench coats, the ever-present “wicker” trend for bags and accessories, and the quiet luxury movement exemplified by brands like Max Mara. “Mesh is a very big trend for summer,” she adds, revealing she’s planning to reintroduce some mesh designs from previous collections.
Sustainable Style for the Future
Hilton is not just passionate about fashion, but also about sustainability. “There are some really great sustainable brands [in the industry],” she says, mentioning Rothy’s, Reformation, and St. Roche.
While acknowledging the challenges, Hilton offers practical tips for incorporating sustainable practices into everyday life. “Buying less” and “investing in those staple pieces” are key strategies, she suggests. She also highlights the growing second-hand market as a sustainable alternative.
Hilton plans to integrate more sustainable practices into her own brand. “I’ve done some sustainable capsules, and I plan to do more because I feel like we all have to do our part,” she explains.
Nicky Hilton’s Big Picture
As Hilton looks towards the future, her design ambitions extend beyond footwear. “I plan on expanding beyond shoes, and I have some exciting design projects, which I will be announcing this summer,” she teases, hinting at a collaboration with her mother to be revealed later this year.
With her latest collection for French Sole, Nicky Hilton offers a spring wardrobe that is both stylish and comfortable. By incorporating classic design elements and embracing new trends, her collection empowers women to step into spring with confidence and elegance.
Nicky Hilton x French Sole: SHOP NOW
