We Chat With Nicky Hilton On Vegan Shoes & More

In our exclusive interview, we talk with Nicky Hilton on vegan shoes, princess thrones, Audrey Hepburn and more!

By Chiara Spagnoli Gabardi

Not many of us are lucky enough to be born wealthy enough so that we’d never ever need to work. But Nicky Hilton is one of those privileged few.

The heiress to the hotel fortune, she was already rolling in it from the day she popped into this world. As if that weren’t enough though, she later married a Rothschild. Let’s just say she could have lunch with friends and go to the gym all day for the rest of her life. But no. Nicky Hilton is a working woman!

She’s been a fashion designer since 2004, when she launched her own clothing line. Throughout the following years, she established various business partnerships, creating designs or capsule collections for different labels. In 2010, she also launched a jewellery line.

And now, she’s venturing into entirely new territory: vegan footwear.

The Nicky Hilton x French Sole collection is the forth time the two have partnered. But this time, it’s totally. cruelty free!

The designing duo is offering eternally classic, environmentally conscious styles – namely espadrilles and flats. They’ve all been crafted using materials such as recycled cotton, recycled polyester, recycled linen, vegan microfibre and organic canvas.

The collection first became available through Amanda Hearst’s ethical luxury fashion platform, Maison-De-Mode.com and in honour of Earth Month, Nicky will be donating 10% of her April sales to Well Beings Charity, an environmental and animal welfare organisation.

Interesting, but we wanted to know more! So we interviewed Nicky Hilton on vegan shoes, transitioning from modelling into designing, eco-friendly parenting and more.

Our Interview With Nicky Hilton On Vegan Shoes & More

Nicky Hilton On Vegan Shoes

You’ve been dedicated to fashion for over 15 years. What are the major evolutions that have struck you, in terms of sustainability?

I think a few years ago sustainability was more of a trend. But now it’s clear that it is our future. It’s incredible to see so many brands being more sustainable, whether it be through their ingredients, packaging or factories. It’s important for us all to contribute to the solution.

What aspect of this collaboration with French Sole are you the proudest of?

I’m proud that the shoes are 100% sustainable. I know that term gets thrown around a lot these days, but it was important to me that not just a part of the shoe was sustainable, but that the entire shoe was 100% sustainable.

What inspired the design of this footwear?

During the summertime, I live in cotton dresses, florals, Boho pieces and jean shorts, so I really wanted to design something that I could pair easily with those.

Why did you decide to make the shoes vegan?

I wanted the shoes to be cruelty-free and there were so many fantastic vegan fabric options.

Nicky Hilton On Vegan Shoes

French Sole is iconic for its ballerina flats! What’s your relationship with ballet shoes?

I fell in love with ballet flats when I first saw Audrey Hepburn. She always looked so chic in her turtlenecks, cigarette pant and ballerina flats. Not only are they elegant, they’re super comfortable. I wear ballet flats practically every day of my life – day and evening.

As someone who started in fashion as a model and then became a designer, how do you feel the representation of beauty has changed throughout the years?

I love that being perfect is no longer the beauty standard. People are now embracing who they really are: perfectly imperfect. It’s very empowering and exciting to see this evolution take place.

Why did you choose to work with Amanda Hearst’s platform to sell your shoes?

I’ve been a fan of Maison de Mode for many years now. Her site carries some of the most beautiful clothing, jewelry and handbags that are all eco-friendly and ethically sourced. There’s no better feeling than wearing something that looks good and is good for the environment.

The collection will also be available on NickyHilton.com, FrenchSoleShoes.com, Zappos and select specialty stores starting April 19th.

Nicky Hilton On Vegan Shoes

Now that you’re a parent, what kinds of activities do you enjoy doing with your family that are good to the planet?

My daughters enjoy using pieces from the recycling bin for their art projects. Whenever we go to the beach, we play a game to see who can pick up the most litter. They recently made a princess throne out of materials they found! They were so proud of it.

What projects do you have on the horizon, if any?

I’m working on a children’s collection with my sister-in-law, Alice, who has this great line based out of the UK called Dotty Dungarees.

Chiara Spagnoli Gabardi
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