The queen of y2k fashion has teamed up with Vestiaire Collective to offer nearly 100 fashion items to help support relief efforts after last month's wildfires in Los Angeles
Paris Hilton is collaborating with Vestiaire Collective for a unique charity sale, bringing together over 100 pieces from her personal archives. Here, Vogue takes a look back at her iconic status in the 2000s, her influence on fashion and her philanthropic commitments. Exclusive interview.
Who doesn't remember the Julien Macdonald mesh mini-dress, complete with rhinestone choker, that Paris Hilton wore to her 21st birthday party in 2002? This dress, which has become a true cultural phenomenon and the very embodiment of party dress, illustrates more than 20 years on, the heiress's influence on pop culture and contemporary fashion. Referenced by numerous designers and celebrities (following the example of Kendall Jenner, who wore the same model to her own 21st birthday party in 2016), her iconic looks of the 2000s have largely contributed to the re-emergence of the y2k trend.
By 2021, vintage fashion from the y2k era was making a comeback thanks to TikTok, before taking over the catwalks the year after. On Vestiaire Collective, searches for these iconic pieces, such as the Fendi Baguette bag, continue to grow. In 2025, reissues of the Louis Vuitton x Takashi Murakami collaboration from 2003, as well as Balenciaga's Le City bag created in 2001 (whose new campaign features Paris Hilton, Tyra Banks or Natasha Poly in a photoshopped paparazzo), are the ultimate proof that the nostalgic aesthetic of the 2000s is still here to stay.
Paris Hilton in a Julien Macdonald mesh mini dress on her 21st birthday. . Photo: Dave Bennett/Getty Images
A collector's archive sale
Monogrammed pieces, pink sequinned dresses, rhinestone denim jackets, flashy accessories... What if one of the figureheads of y2k fashion opened the doors of her wardrobe to us? This February, Vestiaire Collective, the world's leading second-hand fashion and luxury goods retailer, is offering an exclusive charity garage sale of over 100 vintage pieces once owned by Paris Hilton.
Among the must-haves of this exceptional edition: the vintage Chrissie model by Louis Vuitton x Takashi Murakami, her legendary Juicy Couture peach-skin tracksuits, Miu Miu and Versace Jeans Couture perfectos, an autographed Von Dutch down jacket, and the iconic Jeremy Scott x Adidas sneakers. With prices starting at 75 euros, these relics of the y2k era are a rare opportunity to acquire genuine collector's items.
An important cause
This collaboration with Vestiaire Collective is part of a significant philanthropic initiative. All net proceeds from the sale will be donated to 11:11 Media Impact, Paris Hilton 's non-profit organisation dedicated to protecting minors from institutional abuse. Since the release of her documentary This Is Paris in 2020, she has been actively campaigning against the violence inflicted on young people in reform schools, a trauma she herself experienced at Provo Canyon School at the age of 17. "I did it to be a voice for kids who don't have one," she confided to Vanity Fair magazine this summer. The funds raised will also be used to help families who lost their homes in the Los Angeles fires, of which Paris Hilton was a victim, by providing temporary accommodation and basic necessities.
Since its launch in 2014, the Closet Sale initiative has mobilized committed personalities such as Emma Watson, Jessica Chastain, Laura Dern and Kim Kardashian around the values of sustainability and responsible consumption, to benefit the association of their choice. Certified B Corp for its social and environmental commitments, the platform shares the vision of Paris Hilton, who has been advocating circular fashion for many years.
On the occasion of her partnership with Vestiaire Collective, Paris Hilton talks about her fashion heritage, her commitments and her plans for 2025:
Vogue: What made you want to collaborate with Vestiaire Collective, the first platform dedicated to second-hand fashion and luxury?
Paris Hilton. Fashion has always been a passion of mine, and Vestiaire Collective is the ideal platform for giving iconic pieces a second life. All the items come from my dressing room and personal archives, and I can't wait to see others create new memories with these clothes. What's more, all proceeds from this sale will be donated to my non-profit organization, 11:11 Media Impact, which works on behalf of children and women around the world. It's a unique opportunity to combine two of my greatest passions, fashion and philanthropy. That's hot!
How do you reconcile your love of fashion with the need to adopt more responsible consumption practices?
Fashion has always been an important part of my life, a way of expressing myself and having fun. But I also believe in the importance of conscious consumption. That's why I love organising garage sales. Rather than leaving beautiful pieces unused, they can be enjoyed by someone else, and the proceeds will help generate a positive impact.
Why do you think second-hand pieces and vintage archives are so popular, especially with the younger generation?
I love seeing the new generation embrace y2k style - it's so much fun to see them revisit the looks we made iconic back in the day! I've learned that fashion is cyclical, which is why I like to keep certain pieces, even when they're out of fashion. You never know when they might come in handy again!
Photo: David Klein/Getty Images
What are some of the things you collect?
I've always loved fragrances – they're not only a means of self-expression, they also create memories, and I love the way a scent can transport you to a specific moment in time. Over the years, I've developed and built up an incredible collection of my own fragrances, 30 of which will be launched this spring! Each one represents a different stage in my life, and I'm so proud to see that my fragrances have become a signature for so many people around the world.
This sale brings together iconic pieces that have defined your style. What were your selection criteria?
I wanted to offer pieces that truly reflected my fashion evolution, from my party girl days in the 2000s to the more classic, timeless looks of today. I personally dug into my dressing room to choose items that I know my fans will love. It's been such a fun (and nostalgic!) experience to pull out these iconic pieces and imagine who can reappropriate them next.
Photo: Steve.Granitz
Which of the pieces on sale are your favorites?
I love them all! Although it was difficult to part with them, I'm delighted that they've been given a new lease of life! I wouldn't have chosen them if I didn't love them deeply... so I think all these styles are iconic!
Vintage pieces are imbued with personal stories. Is there an anecdote or memory related to one of them that you'd like to share?
I wore the Pamella Roland feather and sequin dress to the Diamond Ball in September 2018 in New York, and I felt like a princess. The way it sparkled under the lights was simply magical. I remember feeling particularly confident and glamorous on the red carpet, because it fit me perfectly. I'm so happy that someone else can experience that same feeling at their special event!
Paris Hilton in a Pamella Rolland dress at the Diamond Ball in New York. Photo: ECP
Your 2000s style set the y2k trend, at a time when celebrities were their own stylists. What were your sources of inspiration?
I simply wore what made me happy! I loved anything pink and sparkly. I always attached importance to the way fashion made me feel, favoring looks that truly reflected the way I expressed myself. It's this energy that has made y2k style legendary, and I love that the world has been in tune with my intention!
At a time when media harassment was ubiquitous and mental health was little discussed, how did you manage to remain yourself?
It wasn't always easy. At the time, the media was ruthless and there was very little discussion of mental health. I dealt with all this by creating a persona, a kind of protection against the difficulties I'd experienced. Deep down, I knew who I was - a strong, creative and resilient woman. This conviction and my determination helped me to move forward, and over time I found my voice and the confidence to share my truth. Along the way, I focused on the people who truly loved and supported me, and on my professional goals, which helped me get past the headlines. Today, I'm deeply committed to mental health advocacy because I know from experience how life-changing genuine support can be. I'm so grateful that the world is finally starting to address these critical conversations, but there's still so much work to be done. Through my organisation, 11:11 Media Impact, we are committed to demystifying mental health care and ensuring that those who need it can access real support and thrive.
You actively campaign for the protection of minors from institutional abuse, echoing the violence you suffered at the age of 17. Where does the bill stand today?
I'm extremely proud of what we've achieved! We got 10 laws passed in 10 states, impacting over 13 million children. In December, we succeeded in passing the Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act in Congress, a law signed by the President. Being on Capitol Hill and seeing this bill passed was one of the most life-saving moments of my life – knowing that my story and my commitment have helped protect others. But my work isn't done, and I won't stop fighting for more protections for children. This sale helps us continue to create change and give a voice to survivors worldwide. So I'm deeply grateful for all the support we're receiving!
Paris Hilton outside the Capitol to defend the Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act . Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
In the wake of the devastating fires in Los Angeles, you are personally mobilising to help families in need. Among your actions, you announced your support for the Pasadena Humane Society animal shelter, as well as a donation of 20,000 hotel nights thanks to your partner Hilton. Why is this cause so close to your heart?
Because I know what it's like to lose a home, and no one should have to go through that alone. I'm deeply grateful to be able to support families and animals in need through 11:11 Media Impact. To date, we've provided direct financial assistance to over 150 families, welcomed over 25 families with young children into long-term housing, I've adopted an animal and reunited families with their pets through my engagement on social networks. At the same time, we continue to support long-term reconstruction efforts. Seeing the resilience of these families has been incredibly inspiring, and I'm determined to continue this work.
2024 has been a landmark year for you, with the release of your second album, the return of The Simple Life, and a bill passed in Congress. What can you tell us about your plans for 2025?
I'm more energetic than ever! It's going to be a legendary year. I have so many exciting projects coming up, new music and groundbreaking initiatives with 11:11 Media. I feel extremely grateful to wake up every day to do what I love. Stay tuned - there's a lot more to come!"
Originally published by Vogue France