The 5 Most Shocking And Iconic Kim Kardashian Met Gala Looks: From Pearls To A Metal Corset

Kim Kardashian has cemented her status as one of the most anticipated arrivals at the Met Gala, consistently delivering polarizing and unforgettable fashion statements that dominate global headlines. Her evolution from a reality TV star to a fashion powerhouse is perfectly encapsulated by her annual appearances at the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute Gala, where she embraces the theme with a level of commitment that often sparks intense debate and viral moments.

As of December 15, 2025, the conversation remains focused on her most recent, boundary-pushing ensembles, particularly the extreme couture she wore in 2024 and 2023. This deep dive explores the five most iconic, shocking, and meticulously crafted looks that define her Met Gala legacy, providing fresh details on the designers, the controversies, and the sheer effort involved in creating her high-fashion armor.

Kimberly Noel Kardashian: Biography and Fashion Persona

Kimberly Noel Kardashian was born on October 21, 1980, in Los Angeles, California, the second of four children to the late Robert Kardashian and Kris Jenner.

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She first gained widespread media attention in 2007 with the debut of the reality television series Keeping Up with the Kardashians, which chronicled the lives of her famous family.

Over the years, she transitioned from a socialite and media personality to a highly successful businesswoman and entrepreneur. Her ventures include the shapewear company SKIMS and the beauty brand KKW Beauty (now SKKN by Kim).

Kardashian's influence extends far beyond television and business; she is a major social media influencer and has become increasingly involved in criminal justice reform, even pursuing a legal career.

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Her fashion journey, initially guided by her former husband, Kanye West, has evolved into a collaboration with some of the world's most avant-garde designers, making her a crucial figure in modern high-fashion and a must-watch at the annual Met Gala.

The Era of Extreme Couture: 2024 and 2023 Masterpieces

Kim Kardashian's recent Met Gala history is defined by her commitment to challenging fashion norms, working with elite couture houses, and generating global buzz. The last two years, in particular, saw her embrace looks that were as technically complex as they were controversial.

The 2024 Maison Margiela Metal Corset: "The Garden of Time"

The 2024 Met Gala, themed "Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion," with a dress code of "The Garden of Time," saw Kardashian arrive in one of her most intensely debated looks to date: a custom Maison Margiela Artisanal creation by John Galliano.

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The ensemble was a study in contrasts, featuring a soft, grey cashmere cardigan draped over a hyper-structured, antique silver brocade corset.

The metal corset, which cinched her waist to an astonishing degree, immediately sparked a conversation about promoting extreme thinness, a point of controversy that overshadowed the artistic merit of the piece.

The overskirt was made from intricate silver metal fragments, lace, and flower details, reportedly crafted from pieces of mirrors, embodying a fragmented, decaying beauty that interpreted the "Garden of Time" theme.

Kardashian described the idea behind the look as "strange" and a representation of the day after a perfect night, suggesting a deliberate deconstruction of glamour.

The 2023 Schiaparelli Pearl Gown: Honoring Karl Lagerfeld

For the 2023 Met Gala, which honored the late designer Karl Lagerfeld with the theme "Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty," Kardashian chose a breathtaking Schiaparelli gown designed by Daniel Roseberry.

The look was a "naked dress" silhouette, entirely covered in strands of 50,000 freshwater pearls.

This meticulous creation was a monumental effort, taking one-dozen artisans approximately 1,000 hours to craft, a testament to the dedication required for true couture.

Kardashian explained that she "wanted pearls" to pay direct homage to Lagerfeld, who frequently incorporated the classic adornment into his designs for Chanel.

The Controversy and The Classics: Unforgettable Met Gala Moments

While the recent years have been defined by extreme couture, no Kim Kardashian Met Gala moment is more famous—or infamous—than her 2022 appearance. Her earlier looks also established her as a red-carpet risk-taker.

The 2022 Marilyn Monroe Dress: A Regret and a Denial

The 2022 Met Gala, themed "In America: An Anthology of Fashion" (Gilded Glamour), saw Kardashian wear the original "Happy Birthday, Mr. President" dress worn by Marilyn Monroe in 1962.

The decision to wear the historical, fragile gown—which required her to lose 16 pounds in three weeks—ignited a massive controversy over the preservation of fashion artifacts and the ethics of wearing museum pieces.

In the time since, Kardashian has addressed the backlash, denying claims that she "ruined" the iconic dress.

Interestingly, she later revealed she has one regret about the look: the intense dieting required to fit into the dress, noting the difficulty and unsustainability of the weight loss.

The 2021 Balenciaga Blackout: The Face of Anonymity

In 2021, for the "In America: A Lexicon of Fashion" theme, Kardashian stunned the world by wearing a custom Balenciaga look by Demna that covered her entire body, including her face. The look became known as the "Balenciaga Blackout."

The choice was a radical statement on celebrity, anonymity, and the power of a silhouette, proving that her presence alone was enough to generate buzz, even without revealing her face.

The 2018 Versace "Heavenly Bodies" Look: Chainmail and Crosses

One of her most critically acclaimed looks was her 2018 ensemble for the "Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination" theme.

Kardashian wore a custom chainmail Versace dress embroidered with crystal crosses. The look perfectly paid tribute to the theme, blending religious iconography with high-octane glamour and solidifying her ability to master the Met Gala's conceptual requirements.

Kim Kardashian's Topical Authority and Fashion Legacy

Kim Kardashian’s annual pilgrimage to the Met Gala is more than just a red-carpet appearance; it is a calculated performance that defines fashion’s relationship with celebrity culture. Her consistent ability to generate conversation, whether through the shocking proportions of her 2024 Maison Margiela corset or the meticulous craftsmanship of her 2023 Schiaparelli pearls, has made her an indispensable figure at the event.

Her history, from the controversial Marilyn Monroe moment to her early appearances in designers like Balmain (2016's "Manus x Machina"), showcases a star who understands the assignment: to be unforgettable. By collaborating with visionaries like John Galliano and Daniel Roseberry, she continues to push the boundaries of what is acceptable and what is art, ensuring her Met Gala looks will be analyzed and debated for years to come. Her fashion legacy is not just about the clothes, but the cultural conversation they ignite.