The 2022 Met Gala served up a plethora of unforgettable fashion moments, but none sparked quite as much conversation as Kim Kardashian‘s decision to wear the dress Marilyn Monroe donned to serenade President John F. Kennedy in 1962.
This wasn’t just any vintage dress; it was a pop culture artifact, forever linked to Hollywood’s most enigmatic blonde bombshell. So, why did Kardashian court controversy with this daring choice? Let’s delve into the historical significance of the dress, the logistics behind its appearance on the Met Gala red carpet, and the mixed reactions it garnered.
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A Spark of Controversy
Despite the elaborate planning, Kardashian’s decision wasn’t universally praised. Critics argued that the dress was a symbol of a bygone era of unrealistic beauty standards and that Kardashian, known for her curvaceous figure, wasn’t respecting the historical significance of the garment. There were also concerns about potential damage caused by wearing the fragile dress.
However, Kardashian’s supporters countered that her act was a celebration of American fashion history and a testament to her commitment to high fashion. They saw it as a conversation starter, prompting discussions about the evolution of beauty standards and the preservation of historical garments.
A Dress Steeped in History
The now-iconic dress, originally designed by Jean Louis, was a custom creation for Monroe. The nude-colored, crystal-encrusted gown featured a plunging neckline and a skirt that billowed around her. Monroe reportedly paid a staggering $1,200 (equivalent to roughly $12,000 today) to have the dress made specifically for the occasion.
Her breathy rendition of “Happy Birthday, Mr. President” while wearing the dress became an instant cultural touchstone, solidifying both Monroe’s status as a sex symbol and the dress’s place in fashion history.
A Meticulously Planned Met Gala Moment
Kardashian’s quest to wear the dress was well-documented. It reportedly took months of negotiations with Ripley’s Believe It or Not, who own the dress, and a commitment to a strict diet and exercise regimen to accommodate the garment’s unforgiving fit.
She even went to the extreme of wearing a replica for the red carpet walk-up, changing into the original dress just before posing for photos. This meticulous planning highlighted Kardashian’s dedication to the theme – “In America: An Anthology of Fashion” – and her desire to pay homage to a legendary American icon.
A Look Beyond the Dress
The Kim Kardashian-Marilyn Monroe Met Gala moment transcended the dress itself. It sparked discussions about celebrity culture, the ever-blurring lines between fashion and history, and the ownership and preservation of iconic artifacts. Whether you loved it or hated it, Kardashian’s daring choice ensured the dress, and Monroe’s legacy, remained a topic of conversation.
Why did Kim Kardashian wear Marilyn Monroe’s dress?
Kardashian aimed to pay homage to American fashion history for the “In America: An Anthology of Fashion” themed Met Gala. She saw it as a way to connect with a legendary American icon.
What happened to Marilyn Monroe’s dress worn by Kim Kardashian?
Kim Kardashian accidentally tore the iconic dress while trying it on.
