Paris Hilton in transition

Paris in younger years: A privileged young Paris, with brown eyes and dirty blonde hair is a naturally pleasant-looking teenager. Already exposed to exclusive parties and gossip press, Paris became hooked on obtaining celebrity status. Along with her ambition, Paris changed all that she could in her attempts to look "hot".

Pic: awful plastic surgery.com

Paris Hilton in transition

"No matter what a woman looks like, if she's confident, she's sexy. It doesn't matter what size you are, what colour, whatever, what colour hair you have, eyes, like if you have confidence, and you're a nice person and sweet, and you're funny, I think that's sexy'.

Confused Paris? Throw in a sex scandal and a jail sentence for Paris's personal recipe for success.

Paris Hilton in transition

17 May 2001: Paris poses upon her arrival at the amFar (American Foundation for Aids Research) benefit party, in Mougins, near Cannes.

The look: At a fundraiser, Paris walks the red carpet in a part-French, part Graffiti styled catastrophe. Could someone please tell her that at these types of events, you're supposed to sign cheques not dresses?

Image: Afp / JACK GUEZ

Paris Hilton in transition

19 October 2001: Sisters, Nikki (L) and Paris, daughters of the Hilton Hotel empire, arrive at the Hammerstein Ballroom for the VH1 Vogue Fashion Awards in New York.

The look: Building the brand baby, building the brand. Nikki and Paris co-ordinate colours and present themselves as fun loving, frivolous fashion babes. At the start of Paris's aim for fame, the sisters were often photographed together, looking like a pair of decadently iced Barbie dolls.

Paris's outfit, the satin sheet shoulder sling, has enough spunk albeit without style to get her name in the fashion misdemeanour social columns. It's fun and young, with plenty of make-up and bold bling. Her body language appears confident, playful and she's enjoying her first taste of celebrity.

Image: AFP / Timothy A. Clary

Paris Hilton in transition

29 August 2002: Nikki and Paris arrive at the MTV Video Music Awards in New York.

"I didn't want to be like all these socialites – they sit at home, and go to the debutante ball, and marry some rich guy and that's it. That's all they do. I want to do my own thing" – Paris.

In their earlier years, Paris and Nikki were known as models, socialites and quite simply, party girls. They were invited to functions and red carpet events because of their American heritage, coupled with their appealing blonde looks. This is not an entirely new concept, as most trust?fund babies become Bergdorf blondes, frequenting the social scene and holidaying in the Hamptons. Unlike her fun–loving silver spoon social circle, Paris Hilton wanted more – and a simple photograph can reveal a great deal about a person's intentions as seen in this picture of Paris and Nikki. Nikki looks shy, she's modestly covered in a horrendous tunic, as she clutches her bag tightly. She's not entirely comfortable in the limelight. Paris, on the other hand, is completely in pose mode, her chin is raised with confidence and her outfit leaves little to the imagination.

Image: AFP/DON EMMERT

Paris Hilton in transition

8 September 2004: Paris walks down the runway at the Heatherette show during Olympus Fashion Week Spring 2005 in Bryant Park in New York City.

The look: If a brand needs attention, there's always Paris... guaranteed to provide entertainment and get you the desired reaction.

Walking the ramp, the designer's creation echoes Paris's personality; it's all pomp and froth in a whirl of pastel. Paris, who is a great believer in the motto 'if you don't have it, pay for it' has extended her short bob into a string of wispy Californian curls.

She walks the ramp alone, without sister Nikki, as their interests become increasingly separate. Paris may have enjoyed the marketing opportunity with Nikki, however once she sought fame on her own; it was only then, that her profile soared.

Image: Carlo Allegri/Getty Images/AFP

Paris Hilton in transition

7 September 2004: Paris signs copies of "Confessions Of An Heiress" in Los Angeles, California.

The look: "I don't want to be known as the granddaughter of the Hiltons. I want to be known as Paris."

Paris is a climber and once she was accepted into the social VIP scene, she became increasingly aware that she had nothing to offer except her wild dance moves in the wee hours of the morning. Other famous friends had larger than life careers, they could sing or act but Paris was just invited because she was Paris.

No one recognised her for a brilliant song or lyric hook she had composed nor did they offer her credit for her ability in a movie role. She yearned for a respect amongst creatives.

Her first attempt to make herself a profit was the launch of her book, "Confessions of An Heiress". It should have been called, "Admissions of A Self Promoting Heiress". The book was all about Paris and teen girls countrywide learnt how to pose and flirt on the red carpet – things that Paris had been practising in front of the mirror for years.

For the launch, Paris was pretty in pink t shirt and appropriate accessories for a teenager. Paris has a square face so the heavy fringe is a suitable style for her to wear.

Image: Amanda Edwards/Getty Images/AFP

Paris Hilton in transition

29 August 2004: Photographer David LaChapelle and Paris arrive at the 2004 MTV Video Music Awards at the American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida.

The look: Oh Tweety! There's a bird on the loose, a pale pink blonde peacock called Paris. The dress wears Paris – we can hardly see her face... and judging by her partners smile, it seems he too has caught bird flu'.

Image: Peter Kramer/Getty Images/AFP

Paris Hilton in transition

13 May 2005: Paris poses for photographers after arriving at the Carlton hotel,during the 58th edition of the International Cannes Film Festival on the French Riviera. Hilton is in Cannes to present her film "Pledge this" by US director William Heins at the Marche du Film (Cannes Film Market) on the sidelines of the Cannes film festival, the world's top showcase of cinema.

The look: Elegant and chic even though there is a strange fruit print on her dress. Paris's hair and make up are light and summery and her accessories simple. Paris's character garners enough attention, her clothes shouldn't have to compete and in this outfit they don't.

This works.

Image: AFP/FRANCOIS GUILLOT

Paris Hilton in transition

14 August 2005: Paris arrives at the 2005 Teen Choice Awards held at Gibson Amphitheatre at Universal CityWalk in Universal City, California.

The look: Returned to the short cropped bob 'do, Paris keeps it simple in a plaited dress in blue hues. Paris has light complexion and she looks best in muted, soft colours. She has learnt that less is more. The dress is quite detailed and her hair dramatic therefore the rest of her look should be simple and subdued.

The tartan print fur bag does not compliment the dress and should have been replaced with a silver clutch.

Image: Frazer Harrison/Getty

Paris Hilton in transition

30 November 2005: Paris shows off the Paris Hilton Limited Edition Watch during a press conference at Tourneau in New York City. The watch, with five times zones and 1 000 diamonds, start at $100 000.

The look: Elegant and ladylike, Paris always appears perfectly coiffed. Her hair is not pulled back tightly in a ponytail; it's gently tousled into a soft style. The wispy fringe complements her square face and her make up is perfectly applied. You've got to hand it to the girl – she always makes the most of herself.

Image: AFP PHOTO/Timothy A. Clary

Paris Hilton in transition

31 October 2005: Paris poses at the Halloween Mansion Party hosted by Hayley Duff in Hollywood, Los Angeles, CA.

"I think I am a good role model".

I'm not sure that showing your contraceptive patch is a fashion trend. Then again, this is a Playboy mansion party and so, in the spirit of love and lingerie, it's somewhat appropriate.

Image: David Livingston/Getty Images/AFP

Paris Hilton in transition

28 August 2005: Sisters Paris and Nicky Hilton pose for photographers as they arrive at the MTV music video awards in Miami.

The look: Paris's style has evolved from the mini skirts and stilettos into more demure dresses and tailored suiting. She remains the more glamorous sister of the two, as if she is permanently attending a garden party.

Image: AFP PHOTO/Stan Honda

Paris Hilton in transition

22 May 2006: Paris poses upon arriving at the Festival Palace to attend the premiere of US director Brett Ratner?s film 'X-Men : The Last Stand' at the 59th edition of the International Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, southern France. The film is presented out of competition.

The look: This dress works as the gentle lines offer a feminine silhouette on her boyish body shape. Her foundation is a shade too light for her skin tone; however the dramatic eye is complemented successfully with the subdued hairstyle and lip colour.

Image: AFP PHOTO/FRANCOIS GUILLOT

Paris Hilton in transition

21 November 2006: Paris arrives for the American Music Awards at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles.

The look: Paris certainly knows how to put her best, big foot forward. She's not the most beautiful girl to walk the red carpet but, as a package, she's attractive. Her hair colour, her make up, her clothing choice are well thought out. She makes an effort to look her best and it works.

Regardless if you or don't like Paris, she embodies a fashion lesson to maximise what you do have and not to focus on what you don't have.

Image: AFP/Robyn Beck

Paris Hilton in transition

1 January 2007: Paris arrives for the launch of 'Bondi Blonde' low carbohydrate Australian beer at Sydney's Bondi Beach. Australian media reported that Hilton had celebrated New Year's Eve with Sam Branson, son of Virgin brand mogul Richard Branson, on Sydney Harbour.

The look:
How to get Paris's make up look:

Step One : Start by covering blemishes with concealer, apply foundation and set with powder.

Step Two : Define your eyebrows by combing them into shape.

Step Three : Follow the upper lash line with a black liquid eye liner, allow the line to get gradually wider as it reaches the outer edges of your eye.

Step Four : On the lower lid and using a pencil eyeliner (easier for bottom lids), draw a line along the bottom lashes until it meets the upper eyeliner ? your eye should now be "framed" by black eyeliner.

For a more subtle look, you can use brown liquid eyeliner and for a dramatic effect, you can use green eyeliner.

Step Five : Using a small soft bristled brush, apply eyeshadow, which is similar to your skin tone only slightly darker, onto the crease of the eye and in a crescent shape.

Step Six : Apply a highlighting colour in a light tone just under the eyebrows and just above the eyeliner, moving from the centre of the eye towards the corner of the eye.

Step Seven : Highlight your cheekbones with blush; apply on the apples of your cheeks.

Step Eight : Add a soft pink lip colour and finish with moisturising lip gloss.

Image: AFP PHOTO/Torsten Blackwood

Paris Hilton in transition

14 April 2007: Paris Hilton poses in Basel, prior to a news conference introducing her new line of timepieces at the BaselWorld 2007 watch fair. Hilton, 26, is to appear for violating her probation by driving with a suspended license before a judge who will decide whether she receives a jail sentence for violating her probation by driving with a suspended license.

The look: Prior to her probation hearing, Paris poses in a subdued coloured dress which looks out of character for our usual colour loving heiress.

Image: AFP/FABRICE COFFRINI

Paris Hilton in transition

4 May 2007: Paris arrives at the Metropolitan Branch Courthouse, in Los Angeles in this file photo. Paris Hilton was freed from jail 07 June 2007, three days after she began serving what was originally to be a 45 day sentence for violating probation, according to TMZ.com.

The look: Paris's copious number of collars failed to impress the judge and she was sentenced to 45 days in prison. Personally, I think Paris should have had her court date in lavish bling, Chihuahua under the arm accessorised with Jackie O styled sunglasses... now that's "hot".

The business dominatrix look is severe for our "It" girl... did she really think mean Judge Sauer would take her seriously?

Image: AFP/GABRIEL BOUYS

Paris Hilton in transition

3 June 2007: Paris arrives to the 2007 MTV Movie Awards held at the Gibson Amphitheatre in Universal City, California.

"I am obviously a little scared right now. I wanted to do something nice before I went off".

A couple of hours before Paris's jail debut in mass produced clothing (her new orange prison uniform), the Heiress gets glamorous in an Anna Sui LBD.

Image: Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images/AFP

Paris Hilton in transition

"I used to act dumb... that act is no longer cute."

This is the first time we have seen Paris looking, shall we say, natural? Quite frankly, the image of glossy porcelain goddess, with the year round tan, became tedious.

Wearing an olive green short sleeved jacket by Petro Zillia and her own, Paris Hilton jeans, her vulnerability is appealing. The contact lenses have gone, allowing her eyes to revert to their natural brown colouring and her hair, in rather good condition considering jail time, is assembled neatly.

Her post jail conversations reveal Paris's ambitions to become a respectable American citizen, yet the sincerity of her convictions remains to be seen. It smacks of good PR, a strategy for better press and yet, it's not entirely necessary.

Paris's fame is not based on sales, performance or likeability – her fame is about wealth and good looks. No one really expects more from Paris than immodest photographs, a closet full of cocktail dresses and the occasional sex tape.

She's a frivolous party girl whose sojourn in prison is unlikely to change her glossy glow.