Kim Kardashian has a documented history of choosing fashion statements that often come at the expense of comfort and even physical well-being. The celebrity has stated her commitment to style, famously saying, "I don't care how uncomfortable, I don't care how long, if I have to wear a diaper and not go to the bathroom - I don't care what I have to do."
This dedication to fashion has manifested in several high-profile instances. Recently, a video emerged of Kardashian at the All's Fair premiere wearing a metallic brown draped gown by Schiaparelli Couture. The footage showed her unable to sit down, requiring assistance to be positioned in her seat.
The Marilyn Monroe Dress Incident
A significant example of Kardashian's fashion sacrifices occurred at the 2022 Met Gala. For the event's "Gilded Glamour" theme, she opted to wear Marilyn Monroe's iconic "Happy Birthday Mr. President" gown. The dress, a 1962 Jean Louis creation, is owned by Ripley's Believe It or Not! and is valued at $5 million. To fit into the historic garment, Kardashian revealed she undertook an extreme crash diet, losing 16 pounds in three weeks by cutting out carbohydrates and sugar, and engaging in rigorous exercise.
She later defended her actions, drawing parallels to actors like Christian Bale and Renée Zellweger who alter their bodies for roles. Despite her efforts, Kardashian could not fully zip the original gown and wore a fur shawl to conceal the back. She changed into a replica before entering the main Met Gala event, emphasizing her respect for the historical garment.
However, after the event, images circulated online suggesting the dress had sustained damage, with claims of torn fabric and missing crystals. Ripley's stated at the time that "great care was taken to preserve this piece of pop culture history" and confirmed no alterations were made.
Extreme Outfits and Physical Challenges
Kardashian's commitment to fashion has led to other demanding ensembles. During Paris Fashion Week, she was filmed struggling to put on a skintight latex Balmain co-ord, with assistants helping her. The process involved significant effort, with Kardashian vocalizing discomfort, stating, "My skin hurts." The ensemble also included a latex jacket and gloves, leaving her feeling "fully boxed in."
At the 2019 Met Gala, Kardashian wore a tight Thierry Mugler corset that dramatically cinched her waist. She underwent "corset breathing lessons" to manage the restrictive garment, describing the experience as intensely painful and noting it left indentations on her body. The outfit made sitting and basic bodily functions difficult.
Her fashion choices have also included a silver Dolce & Gabbana gown with a laced corset, so tight that she was observed hopping up stairs to navigate her way to an event. Similarly, an ensemble for Balenciaga's Paris Fashion Week show involved being wrapped from head to toe in Balenciaga packing tape over a bodysuit. Footage showed her struggling to walk in the taped outfit, and she later had to be cut out of it at her hotel.
Accessories and Falls
Beyond clothing, accessories have also presented challenges. In March, Kardashian fell while walking to the Vanity Fair Oscar party in $80 gold Pleaser heels featuring an eight-inch heel and a four-inch platform. The fall resulted in her grabbing onto a passerby for support. Despite the incident, she requested her heels be tightened before proceeding to the red carpet.
Kardashian has consistently stated her willingness to endure discomfort for fashion, a principle that has led to numerous memorable, and at times physically challenging, public appearances throughout her career.