When Kathy, Nicky, and Paris Hilton were honored with the Icon Award at the 35th Annual Footwear News Achievement Awards on November 30, 2021, the family solidified their multi-generational influence on the industry.
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Hosted at Cipriani South Street in New York City, the event served as a homecoming for the family, who used the platform to celebrate the city’s impact on their personal style.
James Rothschild, Nicky Hilton, Kathy Hilton, and Richard Hilton at the 35th Annual FN Achievement Awards held at Cipriani South Street in New York City on November 30, 2021 (Credit: Derrick Salters / WENN)
Kathy and Nicky Hilton arrived in coordinated black ensembles, joined by their husbands, Richard Hilton and James Rothschild.
While Paris Hilton was absent from the red carpet—accepting her award remotely from her honeymoon on Moskito Island in the British Virgin Islands—the collective impact of the trio remained the evening’s focal point.
Kathy Hilton Keeps It Classic in Max Mara Tailoring and Aquazzura Pumps
Kathy Hilton stuns in a black Max Mara tuxedo suit paired with Aquazzura satin pumps and a sparkling Oscar de la Renta clutch at the FN Achievement Awards 2021 (Credit: Derrick Salters / WENN)
The Hilton matriarch looked sophisticated in a black Max Mara tuxedo suit with a velvet blazer and silk lapels. Underneath, the award recipient wore a simple black top paired with matching trousers.
Kathy paid homage to New York City in her speech: “I feel that the word icon has really changed. I was growing up here in New York in the fashion world in the ‘80s and ‘90s, and I can tell you, there were five or six houses, and that was it. They weren’t letting anyone new in and there was not what I see today. Beautiful it is that things have changed, that people are willing to collaborate and be there for each other and give back.”
Kathy Hilton accepts the Icon Award at the 35th Annual Footwear News Achievement Awards in New York City, wearing a black velvet Max Mara tuxedo with Aquazzura crystal-embellished pumps and a Chanel statement necklace—paying tribute to the city that shaped her enduring fashion legacy (Credit: Derrick Salters / WENN)
Kathy Hilton Adds Sparkle With Chanel Jewelry and an Oscar de la Renta Crystal Clutch
Giving the sleek look some sparkles, the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star accessorized with a statement Chanel necklace featuring pearls, a crystal-encrusted double-C logo, and crystal-and-pearl fringe detailing.
She also wore a pair of diamond hoop earrings and carried a $4,990 silver satin Oscar de la Renta Mini Tro clutch decked out in Swarovski crystals.
Kathy Hilton styles her blonde hair in soft curls and wears neutral makeup to highlight her features (Credit: Derrick Salters / WENN)
Keeping the look classy, Kathy swept her blonde tresses to one side, styled in soft curls, and wore neutral makeup with mascara, glittery brown eyeshadow, nude blush, and matching lip color. She also painted her nails red for a pop of color.
Kathy Hilton completes her tailored tuxedo look with Aquazzura black satin pumps, featuring sculpted heels and celestial star-and-moon crystal embellishments that add a refined, statement finish (Credit: Derrick Salters / WENN)
Inside Kathy Hilton’s Aquazzura Pumps With Star and Moon Crystal Embellishments
A pair of Aquazzura pointed-toe satin pumps rounded out Kathy’s look. These statement pumps are designed with star and moon gemstone embellishments and 4.3-inch sculpted heels.
These Aqauzzura pumps feature sculpted heels with crystal-embellished star and moon appliques
Nicky Hilton Shines in a Prabal Gurung Sequin Gown With Crystal Bow Details
Nicky Hilton hit the red carpet looking elegant in a $3,995 black sequined gown from Prabal Gurung.
She showcased her long, slender legs in the form-fitting floor-length dress entirely embellished with black sequins, offset by hand-embroidered crystal bows. It also features a daring thigh-high slit, long sleeves, and a short train.
Nicky Hilton highlights her long, slender legs in a black sequined Prabal Gurung gown, elevated with hand-embroidered crystal bow accents and a thigh-high slit that adds movement and sparkle (Credit: Derrick Salters / WENN)
Nicky Hilton Finishes the Look With Mach & Mach Double Bow Crystal Pumps
Mrs. Rothschild paired her stunning gown with matching crystal heels from Mach & Mach, whose bows accentuated her sweaty feet.
Struggling with sweaty feet in stylish shoes? Explore our comprehensive guide on preventing and managing sweaty feet to keep your footwear fresh and comfortable
Nicky Hilton steps out in Mach & Mach’s crystal-embellished double-bow PVC pumps, with the transparent pointed toe and glittering straps putting her sweaty feet on full display (Credit: Derrick Salters / WENN)
Her pumps boast PVC pointed toes, silver straps with microcrystals, and crystal-embellished double front bows.
The Mach & Mach pumps boast silver straps with microcrystal embellishments and a double bow design on the PVC pointed toes
How Kathy, Nicky, and Paris Hilton Framed Their Icon Award Around New York Style
Taking to the stage to accept the award, Nicky acknowledged the fashion icons from New York City. “I owe everything to New York, and I love all the New York stories that I’ve been hearing in the room tonight. It’s no coincidence that some of the biggest icons are from New York or have lived in New York.”
“There’s just something in the air, or in the water. I just want to say I love you, New York, thank you for the lessons, the laughs, the tears, for giving me so much love, inspiration, excitement, and, of course, style.”
James Rothschild accompanies wife Nicky Hilton, who was honored with the Icon Award, along with her mom Kathy and sister Paris (Credit: Derrick Salters / WENN)
In addition to the sparkles on her dress and shoes, the fashion designer carried a bespoke Edie Parker Silver Confetti Flavia clutch featuring the text “Mrs. Rothschild.”
She then wore heavy eye makeup with mascara, pink blush, and a swipe of matching lip color. Nicky styled her blonde hair in soft curls with a side parting, allowing her to showcase her diamond stud earrings.
Nicky Hilton glams up with soft curls and pink makeup with heavy mascara and glittery eyeshadow (Credit: Derrick Salters / WENN)
Kathy Hilton’s impeccable fashion choices have consistently captivated audiences. At the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards, she embraced chic goth style with a black Alice + Olivia cape and bustier, complemented by black lace heels and Chopard earrings.
Earlier that year, at Versace’s Fall/Winter 2023 show, Kathy exuded elegance in a glittery, fur-trimmed black coat over a black midi dress, accessorized with Versace’s ‘Aevitas Pointy’ platform pumps. These appearances underscore her status as a fashion icon, seamlessly blending classic sophistication with contemporary trends.
From Celestial Aquazzura Pumps to Crystal-Bow Mach & Mach Heels, the Hilton Women Made the Case for Evening Shoes That Do More Than Finish a Look
That balance of polish, sparkle, and personality is what made Kathy and Nicky Hilton’s Footwear News Achievement Awards appearances so effective. Kathy’s star-and-moon Aquazzura pumps brought a whimsical, fashion-insider twist to classic tuxedo tailoring, while Nicky’s crystal-detailed Mach & Mach heels reinforced the high-glamour mood of her sequined Prabal Gurung gown. For readers who want to explore more shoe moments from these two standout brands, these related features offer a strong next step.
👠 Explore More Aquazzura & Mach & Mach Shoe Moments:
- ✨ How Aquazzura became a celebrity-loved luxury shoe brand is a strong evergreen starting point for readers drawn to the label behind Kathy Hilton’s celestial satin pumps, tracing the brand’s rise through Italian craftsmanship, comfort-led design, and red-carpet appeal.
- 👡 Kylie Jenner’s Aquazzura “Amazon” sandal moment shows the brand in a sharper, strappier mood, pairing the lace-up heels with an early black-and-white red-carpet look that feels youthful, directional, and distinctly of its era.
- 💎 Elle Fanning’s Mach & Mach double-bow glitter mules offer a softer, more whimsical take on the Georgian label’s signature sparkle, using crystal-embellished bows and kitten-heel proportions to make daytime dressing feel polished and playful.
- 🖤 Nicky Hilton’s vintage-inspired Mach & Mach pearl pumps at NYFW are a strong companion read for this article, showing how the brand’s jewel-like detailing can push an evening or event look toward old-Hollywood glamour without losing modern edge.