Paris Hilton kicked off her New Year's Eve stay in Australia with a shopping splurge that saw her buy 31 frocks in just over half an hour yesterday.
Hilton flew into Melbourne around 10am and headed straight for an upmarket boutique at Chapel St in South Yarra, where she spent over $5000.
Social commentators have heaped scorn on the heiress over the purchases and labelled them excessive.
"It is quite obscene spending money like that," social worker Les Twentyman said to the Herald Sun.
"She is seen as some sort of superstar and all she is is a person born into extreme privilege."
World Vision Australia chief Tim Costello said the amount spent would be enough to give a village of 2000 people in Africa clean water for the rest of their lives.
After walking into the Wayne Cooper boutique, Hilton immediately pointed to a dress on a mannequin and said: "I want that one".
She then spent the next 40 minutes trying on dresses in full view of eager photographers and fans, many of whom had been locked outside by shop staff.
Despite her wealth, Hilton was given the items at heavily discounted prices.
Earlier Hilton told reporters she was in the country to relax, shop and check out the wares of Australian designers.
"We're just here, just shopping and relaxing," Hilton said as she bustled past media.
"We're just here to relax and enjoy Australia."
Organisers of her trip reportedly failed to secure her an endorsement deal in Melbourne, leaving her plenty of time to check out the city's shopping.
Hilton will fly to Sydney today for a New Year's Eve party at Sydney nightspot Trademark, which will be streamed over the internet.
Front page
RSS Feed