But today, she’s a fashion icon and the perfect person to market any lifestyle product aimed at women  because, even though she’s achieved nothing concrete, we all wanna be like Paris.

After the sex videos, Paris has had what should have been PR disasters – stuff like getting jailed for driving without a proper license, speeding and driving drunk.

She even served out a heroic jail sentence, complete with protestors outside demanding her release, but that became the point at which the Paris brand really became what it is now. She claimed to have attempted a new beginning under the guidance of a priest in jail.

We don’t know if it helped, but somehow, when Paris, the spoilt brat and unabashed party girl, was released from jail, she was more famous – and, some said, more beautiful in her simple dress – than she was when she went in. Also count in this list her controversial parody of McCain as a potential president during the US elections, the boyfriend-hopping and the numerous men that she’s spotted and linked with.

Many of Paris’ close associates say that she’s not as dumb as she pretends to be – it’s just a gimmick to sell the rich-bitch facade. “I used to act dumb,” she said in an interview. “That act is no longer cute. Now, I would like to make a difference.” But she also says, “I don’t really think, I just walk.” Dumb blonde or PR expert?

Her chihuahua, Tinkerbell, whom she carries around like an accessory in her handbag, is part of the glittery, blingy image that’s made her a fashion icon. What are her views on animals, considering she seems so fond of her dog? “Every woman should have four pets in her life. A mink in her closet, a jaguar in her garage, a tiger in her bed, and a jackass who pays for everything,” she opines. And you thought she didn’t have brains!

She, along with one-time BFF (best friends forever) Nicole Richie, starred in the US reality show The Simple Life, which required them to play spoilt good-for-nothings, wreaking havoc in people’s simple lives while trying to be a part of it. But this was before the Paris-Nicole break-up. Nicole, when asked if she’d ever patch up with Paris, said, “No, not at this point.” After this, Paris embarked on a reality TV journey in the quest of a new BFF, after the success of which, she started the hunt for another new BFF on TV!

Her boyfriends change faster than her best friends. There’s been Nick Carter, Stavros Niarchos, Paris Latsis, Criss Angel, Josh Henderson, Benji Madden and now Doug Reinhardt, who puts up a great show with Paris, kissing and holding up her bare leg for a photoshoot on one occasion.

Paris also gets invited to parties not only in the US, but all over the world. The size zero figure, the haute couture, the Jimmy Choos and the Manolo Blahniks only add to the glitz and complete the Barbie Doll image. To quote Shobhaa De, “Since she has to make a living out of attending parties, Paris also needs the services of various stylists who create daily ‘looks’ for her.

These specialists come at a hefty price – but in the case of Paris, it is her only investment in the multi-million dollar Paris Hilton Industry – which produces, packages and sells just one single product – Paris herself!” And to quote Paris herself, “I am a marketing genius.”