The Making of the Collection

In Their Own Words: Nicky & Celia

The collection celebrates the wonder of childhood - a return to dressing children as children -through nostalgic silhouettes, delicate details and effortless elegance. Enchanting matching styles for mama and mini complete the story.

How did this collaboration come about?

Nicky: It all started ten years ago when I came across La Coqueta as a customer and I have loved the brand ever since. I have always loved dressing my children in Celia’s designs; from everyday playdates and birthday parties to special occasions.

Celia: From those very first ideas and conversations, I knew we were going to create something truly special. I loved hearing Nicky’s nostalgic childhood memories… they are exactly the kind of moments we cherish and celebrate at La Coqueta. From the initial sketches to the toiles and finally seeing each piece come to life in our London studio, the collection came together beautifully and organically.

Nicky: What began as an admiration for timeless children’s clothing soon grew into a friendship with Celia, and I have loved the design process from start to finish.

A true meeting of minds and values, this collaboration honours tradition while feeling unmistakably modern.

What inspired the collection?

Celia: From the moment we met, I felt Nicky’s deep appreciation for legacy, family, and enduring style. This collection is a true reflection of her - inspired by her warmth as a mother, her innate sense of style, her personality, her childhood as well as the worlds of her own children.

The collection is filled with thoughtful nods to Nicky. From her love of bows, which feature throughout (she truly does adore a bow), to embroidered kitty motifs on scalloped collars. Her affection for broderie anglaise is woven in alongside her signature powder blue and, of course, Nicky’s bespoke toile de Jouy.

Nicky Hilton x La Coqueta Silver Tessa Leather Girl T-Bar Shoes

Nicky Hilton x La Coqueta Sage Floral Iris Girl Drop Waist Dress

The Story of the Pink Toile

Nicky: Working on the toile was such a fun process. From choosing the colours and the fabric, to creating the story behind it, it’s really those little details that make it so special.

It really tells the story of my life so far. The Waldorf Towers in New York City, of course, had to be included. My sister and I were known as the Eloises, and we’d spend afternoons running around the hotel, sneaking peeks into the most fabulous parties in the ballroom. Those memories are just so fun and nostalgic. Anyone who knows me knows how much I adore my pets, so they absolutely had to make an appearance too. Here we have Mac, Cheese & Minnie.

Womenswear and Girls Dress in Pink Toile print.

I also just love the illustrations of me and my husband, and all the symbolism woven into them -the two white doves, our initials inside little love hearts. It was so important to us that every small detail was included. From those subtle touches to the bigger moments, like where we first met at a wedding in Italy - hence the Colosseum - through to our own wedding at Kensington Palace, it all feels beautifully personal.

We also included a scene of my sister and me at the beach - a nod to our family holidays in Maui, a place that will always be so special to me.

Milou

Nicky: I have always believed in dressing children as children, just as I was dressed growing up. The collection is lovingly inspired by my own childhood and the beautiful pieces my mother chose for Paris and me... perhaps just a touch poofier! The Milou dress, in particular, was inspired by one of my favourite photographs of my sister and me wearing matching powder blue dress with a sugary pink sash. So 90’s!

Nicky with her sister, Paris, and their mother, Kathy Hilton.

The Making of the Blue Bow Floral

"The blue floral print is one of my favourites in the collection - it feels so very Nicky. Blue and white, feminine florals are synonymous with her style, which made it the natural starting point, while still staying true to La Coqueta’s signature aesthetic." - Celia

Hand Painted Illustrations of the Blue Bow Floral Print

Celia: I love how the print translates across rompers and dresses for both women and children, finished with contrasting lace Peter Pan collars and delicate ric rac trims.