Paris Hilton sets the standard for the wealthy, twenty-something socialites of the 21st century. Her privileged upbringing as heiress to the Hilton millions and her whirlwind itinerary of partying make her seem like a perfect subject for Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous.

Even a life that is such an Epicurean feast is not without its hiccups. Paris has garnered unwanted attention in the tabloids for her connections with movie stars such as Leonardo DiCaprio and Edward Furlong. And she hasn't helped matters with her obnoxious conduct at a number of functions and parties at such high-profile venues as the notorious Studio 54, which has been duly publicized by the gutter press.

Nevertheless, Paris has made some efforts to step out of the imposing shadow of the Hilton name. She has established herself as a model and taken the first steps toward starting an acting career, as well as made inroads into the business end of the fashion world. It's too soon to tell just how successful these ventures will be, and whether the name Paris Hilton will ever mean more than a hotel in France.

personality & talent

Sadly, it seems that Paris' reputation as a "poor little rich girl" is justified. While by all accounts Paris has good relationships with her family, especially her sister and party partner Nicky, her public persona tends to be haughty and self-centered. Along with her well-publicized bathroom line-cutting, another example of Paris' self-absorption is that her favorite movie is Zoolander -- in which she appears.

As for talent, Paris' ventures in film and fashion entrepreneurship have yet to really take off. But to be fair, merely in her early 20s, Paris still has a lot of time to explore and establish herself as something other than just another excessively wealthy socialite.

sexiness

Despite her protestation that she hates being famous, Paris adores the spotlight, and is very uninhibited (as her alleged appearance in a homemade sex tape with Rick Solomon would suggest). Combine that lack of restraint with a pouty, girlish joie de vivre, and you've got quite a package -- or a handful, if you tend to be more cynical.

In the end, Paris' sexiness is a matter of personal preference. Her lack of sophistication, despite a privileged upbringing, when amplified by infantile antics, could be a real turnoff for many. Nevertheless, a breezy attitude, a pretty face, and a juicy bankroll are enough for some men. And since when were "respectable" women automatically sexier anyway?

accomplishments & fame

Ironically, Paris' main accomplishment is that she has made herself famous without really having accomplished anything, aside from some modeling and bit parts in films like Wishman, Nine Lives, The Hillz, and The Cat in the Hat. She is also the star of FOX's reality show, The Simple Life, which features Paris Hilton and Nicole Ritchie (daughter of Lionel) living on a farm.

But you have to give her credit for dropping some of her cash on charities and charitable events, such as a casino night to benefit Harlem's Room to Grow charity. And her trying to make a mark in the real world is commendable (even if it is the rather bogus world of fashion).

Paris' fame remains closer to notoriety than true recognition. She is still a fixture in gossip columns and the tabloid press thanks to her antics at parties and string of high-profile boyfriends, and has now apparently become a role model for other attention starved socialites looking to up their public profile.

natural beauty

Paris isn't quite a voluptuous knockout, but she certainly is pretty, and her success as a model is understandable. Her slender frame is certainly the stuff of cover girls. Her blonde hair, brown eyes, and sensuous mouth round out the picture.

But since she is still in her early 20s, Paris has the waifish, not-quite-developed look of an awkward teenager, which can detract from her assets. Perhaps in a few more years her beauty will mature a little more, and, by doing so, deepen.

personal style

Paris' style leaves a bit to be desired, as it tends to shock rather than soothe. At a high-profile L.A. shindig, for example, she wore a white shredded-hem silk dress with rhinestones by Heatherette, sky-high Patricia Field platforms, and a white bomber hat by Gucci -- and she looked like a dude ranch reject.

Usually, Paris can be seen in low-slung Frankie B. jeans, a tank top, a denim jacket, faux-diamond waistbands, and too much makeup: In other words, a more urban kind of overpriced pseudo-chic. It's difficult to imagine Paris in anything truly elegant.

To spend the night with -- sorry -- in the Paris Hilton.

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