Kardashians Embrace Archival Fashion, Donning Vintage Gowns of Hollywood Icons

Kim Kardashian recently stepped out in a vintage Yves Saint Laurent 'Golden Tigress' corset gown from the Fall 1986 Haute Couture collection for the Rome Film Festival premiere of "All's Fair." The ensemble, featuring a leopard print and a matching chiffon scarf, was paired with black heels. Her mother, Kris Jenner, also chose a piece with historical significance: a 1969 Tiziani cape famously worn by Elizabeth Taylor to Princess Grace of Monaco's 40th birthday.

This embrace of archival fashion is a recurring theme for the Kardashian family. In 2022, Kim Kardashian controversially wore Marilyn Monroe's 1962 'Happy Birthday Mr. President' gown to the Met Gala. She has also been seen in Princess Diana's diamond cross necklace and Jacqueline Kennedy's Cartier watch. According to celebrity stylist Lisa Talbot, Kardashian's selection of archival pieces is a deliberate strategy to "create a moment" and generate discussion, highlighting the exclusivity and storytelling inherent in vintage couture.

Jenner's Tiziani Roma cape, featuring an ivory silk lining and a dramatic hood with embroidered scorpions, was originally worn by Taylor in 1969. Taylor famously paired the cape with her Taylor-Burton necklace, a 69.42-carat diamond. Jenner acquired the cape at auction and loaned it to Kim for the "All's Fair" series.

Kardashian's choice of the YSL gown, styled by Law Roach, has prompted discussion about potential alterations to the original piece. Some suggest she may be wearing a version sold at auction rather than the original runway example. Talbot notes that archival dressing offers the opportunity to wear garments that have already made a mark on fashion history, providing a unique exclusivity.

The Marilyn Monroe gown incident at the 2022 Met Gala, for which Kardashian reportedly dieted extensively to fit into the $4.8 million garment, drew criticism from historians. They raised concerns about potential damage to the delicate fabric from the dress, which had been purchased by Ripley's Believe It Or Not! Museum. Monroe originally paid $1,440 for the custom Jean Louis creation.

In January 2023, Kardashian purchased Princess Diana's Attallah Cross, an amethyst and diamond piece, for nearly $200,000. She later wore the necklace, originally made by Garrand in the 1920s and lent to Diana throughout the 1980s, to the 2024 LACMA Art + Film Gala. Critics described the choice as "tone deaf."

Kardashian also owns a jacket previously worn by Michael Jackson, which she and Kanye West gifted to their daughter North West. The jacket was worn by Jackson to Elizabeth Taylor's 65th birthday party in 1997. More recently, Kardashian faced backlash for wearing Janet Jackson's outfit from her 1993 "If" music video to the singer's "Together Again" tour. Kardashian purchased the ensemble in 2021 for $25,000, though Janet Jackson herself had given her blessing at the time.

Additionally, Kardashian has worn Elizabeth Taylor's diamond pendant chandelier earrings, purchased for $374,500 at auction, and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis's vintage Cartier Tank watch, acquired for $379,500 in 2017. She famously wore the watch during a meeting with President Donald Trump in 2019, stating it gave her "some power."

Kardashian's affinity for vintage designer pieces extends to a 1951 Cristobal Balenciaga strapless gown, worn to the Academy Museum Gala. Stylist Lisa Talbot suggests that while Kardashian's choices draw attention to historical craftsmanship, wearers must also bring their own personality to avoid being overshadowed by the garment's legacy.