Upon research, an article describes Paris Hilton and her sister Nicky Hilton to be wealthy and perceived as arrogant by the public highlighting their emergence in the media and them exploring their youth whilst redefining high society with a hip hop influence.  Text above the image reads “People think i’m just this party girl, Well, i’m not like that” (VanityFair)  uravelling her acknowledgement of the stereotype the public associate's her with and wanting to rebel against the restrictive norms imposed onto her, wanting acknowledgement for her personality and ambitions. By highlighting depth and self-awareness, this within itself challenges the traditional female social role and enables her to redefine what it means to be a modern woman in high society. 

We, the viewer, are positioned to see Paris as an emergent cultural character who aspires to subvert conventional standards with a hip-hop influence style, rather than just as a well-off upper-class woman. We see her as a contemporary star who is constructing her image through her unexpected choices she makes.

I initially saw this picture on Twitter and Pinterest.

Many young people are enamored with pop culture and the lifestyles of celebrities, but not because they aspire to be famous in the traditional sense. Instead, they enjoy the authenticity of what some decide to disclose, which helps us connect with them more. Paris in particular is discussing party culture and her authentic enjoyment for such which can resonate with alot of youth. I think it's aimed towards those in the 18–30 age range who go through that leisure life frequently. Both political people and those interested in punk rock aesthetics are the target audience aswell.

The immediate thing that struck me about this image was the lack of coverage for the upper body. I took this as a shock factor element, a rebellious move in a setting of wealth and formality. This choice, using the punk aesthetic, challenges norms and expectations given the traditionally polished image associated with Paris Hilton. Despite the delinquent look, the shirt being see through draws attention to the breast which plays a part in the male gaze leading them to look there as "women are presented as objects of male sexual desire"( Bergham, M, 2023 419-443) but her stance and symbols she's using e.g the middle finger is portraying an unfriendly invitation to those of that nature also suggesting control over her own body. Her wearing a fishnet top subverts traditional feminine attire which is especially expected with female celebrities highlighting the importance of gender expression and performativity.

Chen Liangfei. (2023). The Female identity being performed -- Gender rebellion in Cindy Sherman’s photography. SHS Web of Conferences, 174, 02015

Sales, N.J. (2000) Hip-hop debs! A Night (and afternoon) with Paris and Nicky Hilton, Vanity Fair. Available at: (Accessed: 04 November 2024).