Paris Hilton and Britney Spears are reflecting on one of the most innovative trends of the 2000s and one that transformed photography as we know it. It was the selfie, and soon, it would catch on and spread to pop culture phenomena like wildfire. While it was actually the 19th-century photographer Robert Cornelius who invented the very first selfie back in 1839 with his self-portrait (that's 185 years ago), it was Paris that made it famous.
It's a known fact that Paris and Britney are friends and are the original Y2K Icons. Paris for just being famous and living the glamorous but turbulant life, and Britney for being one of the world's most affluent pop stars. There wasn't an online out or press page that wasn't blank of their famous names, and the cameras loved them.
The hotel heiress is looking back eighteen years ago when she and Britney posed together for the first viral group of selfies. The snaps were taken most likely in 2006, and iPhones wouldn't drop to the markets until the following year. So, what did one use to capture the selfie and other phone snaps? It was either a point-and-shoot digital camera, a flip phone with the camera option, or, if you're truly old-school, a Kodak disposable. The problem with the latter is that you had to wait a week to get your photos back and hope they turned out.
Paris Hilton and Britney Spears are the OG Y2K Selfie Icons
Taking it to Twitter earlier this week, Paris uploaded a carousel of selfies featuring her and Britney. In the photos, circa 2006, both women kept their stylish looks simple. Paris wore a gray tank top and soft makeup, while the Princess of Pop donned a white silk shirt. Both women accessorized their fashions with matching rabbit ear headbands.
In the first two photos, Paris and Britney smile at the camera, while the third photo shows them in a fun and playful "pucker up and smooch" expression—the signature Selfie mood.
"18 years ago today, Britney Spears and I invented the Selfie. #IconOnly," the mom of two and dog lover writes for the caption. She then added a camera, dancing rabbit girls, and lit emojis as the closing line.
Over time, Britney and Paris had their ups and downs, which were heavily displayed in the media. Britney was placed under a 13-year conservatorship that hindered her financial and personal freedoms. Following its 2021 removal, she wrote of her experience, along with the fame and heartbreaking details, in her bestselling memoir, The Woman In Me.
Paris became a mom of two and married Carter Reum. She advocates for abuse prevention and has launched merchandise on Amazon for all kinds of interests. Next month, she and Nicole Richie are returning to TV for the A Simple Life revival. The show will definitely bring back the Y2K nostalgia.