Kim’s Met Gala look has caused quite the stir.
Every year on the first Monday of May, glamour and art are fused – all in the name of fashion. Known for its exclusive guest list and eye-catching themes, the Met Gala is considered one of the most iconic nights of the year. Famous faces don the red carpet wearing everything and anything, all in a bid to turn as many heads as possible - captivating consumers and fellow celebs alike. This year, the theme was centred around the intricacies of American design. Titled, In America: An Anthology of Fashion – A-listers took inspiration from New York’s Gilded Age, exuding opulence and grandeur.
However, one guest took the theme to new heights, taking costume ‘inspo’ from none other than Hollywood icon, Marilyn Monroe. Arriving fashionably late, Kim Kardashian ensured that all eyes were on her, as she made headway on the famous steps. The reference to the film star was undeniable - her platinum blonde locks were paired with the infamous “Happy Birthday” dress, which Marilyn wore in 1962 to serenade President John F. Kennedy. The sensual performance reinforced the intense speculation surrounding the Monroe-Kennedy alleged romance. The crystal-covered gown was designed by Jean Louis and was acquired in 2016 by Ripley’s Believe It or Not! The estimated value of the dress currently stands at $10 million. Speaking to Vogue, Kim said: “the idea came to me after the gala in September last year”, referring to Marilyn as “the most American thing you can think of”.
Indeed, Marilyn Monroe is widely considered to be the epitome of Hollywood glamour; the blonde bombshell shot to stardom in the 1950s, becoming known for her roles in films such as Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), The Seven Year Itch (1955), and Some Like It Hot (1959. Thereby, in terms of following the theme – Kim is right to pay tribute to the actress. Drastic diet measures aside, her outfit choice is what has sparked heated debate. Many conservators and curators consider the dress to be a treasured artefact – a symbol of history that should be preserved. However, some reactions have gone as far as dubbing Kim K a modern-day Marilyn. Love her or hate her – Kim’s tactical grand entrance has prompted a discussion about the similarities between the two women if any.
It's easy to draw parallels between Kim and her alleged predecessor if we focus solely on the superficial parallels. Both women married three times – Marilyn to James Dougherty in 1942, Joe DiMaggio in 1954, and Arthur Miller in 1956; Kim to Damon Thomas in 2000, Kris Humphries in 2011, and Kanye West in 2014. As sex symbols of their time, scandal played a pivotal part in propelling both women to fame. In 1952, Monroe faced controversy when naked photographs were released from a nude calendar shoot that had taken place three years prior. However, the scandal did not destroy Monroe’s career – it elevated it. Comparably, Kardashian’s notorious sex tape, created with then-boyfriend, Ray-J, is arguably what launched her career when it was leaked back in 2007.
Both women are considered archetypal figures of beauty. Whether it be Marilyn’s signature beauty spot or Kim’s enviable curves, it’s no secret that the fame of these women has been largely attributed to their appearance. However, while Monroe was an emblematic figure in her era, paving the way for revolutionising female sexuality – she was also an acclaimed actress. Kim, on the other hand, is essentially a glorified reality star. There is no doubt that since garnering her platform, Kim has become a successful businesswoman in her own right. She is the owner and CEO of several businesses, including the innovative shapewear brand, Skims, which is now estimated to be worth $3.2 billion. By wearing what has been called “the original naked dress”, Kim is doing more than making a headline-worthy fashion statement. She is leveraging the next stage of her career, suggesting that her status is akin to a multi-talented global phenomenon. Not only is this self-proclaimed admission misguided – it begs the question of what constitutes a “celebrity” in modern-day society.
Written By Liv Leftwich
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