Paris Hilton felt an immediate "connection" with Karl Lagerfeld when they first met

Paris has revealed she first met the late fashion legend at the home of fellow designer Valentino Garavani and they got on brilliantly. She told WWD: "I remember the first time we met ... Karl took his camera out and started taking a bunch of pictures of my sister and myself and Princess Marie-Chantal and a bunch of our friends.

"I just remember that first time he looked at me in his iconic way, the sunglasses on, his gloves, his fan in his hand. We immediately had this connection."

She added of her new starring role in the latest Karl Lagerfeld fashion campaign: "Karl has definitely been an influence in fashion for me forever ...

"I just feel like being the face of this Karl Lagerfeld campaign is such a dream come true, because it's not just about fashion, it's really about celebrating someone who changed the world of style and fashion forever."

Karl died in 2019 aged 85, but his company is continuing his legacy and CEO Pier Paolo Righi told WWD the fashion icon "would have loved" seeing Paris starring in the new ads.

He said: "It is so unexpected, as Karl was ... They knew each other and I think if Karl was still with us, he would have loved the idea...

"The fact that Karl never took himself too seriously is also something that is very close to the way Paris portrays herself. Similar to Karl, she is iconic, but the same time ironic."

As well as fronting the new campaign for Karl Lagerfeld, Paris has also been announced as the new face of Paul Mitchell hair care.

Michaeline DeJoria, CEO of John Paul Mitchell Systems, said in a statement: "Paris Hilton has been setting trends and breaking boundaries for decades.

"Her passion for beauty, authenticity, and giving back aligns perfectly with our values. We're excited to partner with an icon who not only defines style but also champions purpose."

The Paul Mitchell campaign will be supporting the LA Wildfire Relief Fund to help victims of the fires which devastated Southern California earlier this year and it's a cause close to Paris' heart as she lost her home in the flames.

She added in a statement: "I've used Paul Mitchell products throughout the years and their products leave you feeling empowered and glamorous.

"This campaign is all about giving back to causes that are close to my heart, celebrating confidence, and having fun with your look! I'm so excited for fans to see all the incredible moments we've created together!"