Kim Kardashian never shies away from making a fashion statement, and at this year’s Met Gala, she did just that by wearing an outfit adorned with 50,000 freshwater pearls. The star’s custom Schiaparelli ensemble paid tribute to the late designer Karl Lagerfeld, who had a penchant for pearls.
The outfit, designed by Daniel Roseberry, consisted of a molded corset top and draped skirt, both covered in pearls and crystals. Kardashian’s choker, pearl drop earrings, and ring were also made of the same materials, completing the stunning look. The entire outfit took a team of a dozen artisans over 1,000 hours to create.
Kardashian’s pearl ensemble was a nod to the iconic Chanel pearls, a staple in Lagerfeld’s designs. “I thought, ‘What is more Karl?’ You know, the iconic Chanel pearls is what I always thought of. So we wanted to just be dripping in pearls,” Kardashian said on Vogue’s livestream from the red carpet.
The reality star’s Met Gala looks have always been some of the most-talked-about fashion moments. Last year, she turned heads in Marilyn Monroe’s Jean-Louis dress, which the Old Hollywood icon wore to sing “Happy Birthday” to President John F. Kennedy. In 2021, she made a statement in a black, face-covering spandex look by Balenciaga designer Demna. And in 2013, her floral Givenchy maternity gown caused a stir on the internet.
The 2023 Met Gala theme, “In Honor of Karl,” was a tribute to Lagerfeld, who passed away in 2019. The event saw numerous A-listers donning black and white colorways, bows, and pearls in honor of the iconic designer.
Kim Kardashian’s stunning pearl outfit was certainly one of the highlights of the night, showcasing her unique sense of style and ability to make a statement.