Kim Kardashian Reflects on Key Fashion Moments, Building Her Brand, and Regaining Confidence Post-Divorce

She’s become one of the world’s biggest fashion icons.

But Kim Kardashian’s fashion history contains multitudes, with the reality star’s style defined by a transformative evolution from bandage dresses and chunky belts to minimalist and body-conscious silhouettes.

The 44-year-old’s current style has seen her embrace monochromatic and neutral palettes, try out more experimental looks and incorporate archival pieces.

Her shift in style can be traced to the influence of her now-ex Kanye West, her close relationships with many of the fashion world’s biggest names, and the launching of her own brand, Skims.

Following her divorce from Kanye, Kim noticeably redefined her style on her own terms, becoming one of the most influential fashionistas, with top designers begging to dress her and landing a slew of coveted magazine covers.

And in her latest – Vogue France’s October issue – the mogul talked through her kaleidoscopic fashion trajectory, highlighting the four brands that were most pivotal to both her style and her confidence.

BALMAIN

When asked about which style period she felt was the most significant in her career, Kim confessed that it was her Balmain era that stood out the most, as it’s when she learned about fashion.

She said: ‘Oh my God, there are so many memories. Each period is a reflection of a relationship with a designer. 

‘I think my Balmain period really set the tone. It reminds me of my love for France and the times I spent in Paris, in Olivier’s [Rousteing] Atelier. That time taught me a lot about fashion.’

The reality star and her younger sisters, Kendall and Kylie Jenner, were often seen stepping out in the brand’s signature designs in the 2010s, with Kim even nicknaming herself ‘Balmain Barbie’ in 2019.

 She frequently favoured Balmain’s famous sparkly and beaded dresses, particularly drawn to the structured silhouettes made up of cinched waists and defined shoulders.

She chose a futuristic silver gown from the brand to the Met Gala in 2016, which she described as ‘a blingy sexy robot’ and wore a powder-blue pearl-embellished Balmain dress for her bachelorette party in Paris.

While Kim also embraced Olivier’s love of latex, squeezing her famous hourglasses curves into several of the skintight outfits at Paris Fashion Week in 2020.

GIVENCHY 

With much of her style trajectory being influenced by her relationships with certain fashion houses, Kim detailed how the most important thing for her when working with a designer was how well they understood each other.

And while there have been a slew of big names like Olivier, Mugler and Demna, who have played important roles in her fashion journey, Riccardo Tisci has arguably been the most vital.

During the Italian’s time as the creative director of Givenchy, he was one of the first designers to see Kim’s potential to reach style icon status.

The designer previously admitted that he ‘got killed’ over his decision to work with the star, saying: ‘[She was accepted] by nobody.… Every designer is dying to dress her now. I didn’t care what people thought about Kim. 

‘In the beginning I met her because of my respect for Kanye, and then I liked her a lot and we became friends. I got killed because of this. But I didn’t care.’

Kim soon was regularly being snapped in the label’s signature looks, with Riccardo even designing her stunning long-sleeved lace dress for her wedding to Kanye West in May 2014.

And when presenting the designer with the Fashion Innovator Award in 2019, she gushed: ‘I am so excited to be here for someone who has believed in me before I really knew what fashion was and before I believed in myself’.

Speaking about their relationship to Vogue France, Kim said: ‘It’s all about chemistry, it’s essential. You reminded me of Riccardo, and when I think back, it wasn’t instantaneous.  

‘It happened over time, during outings and breakfasts we had in different cities and over the course of which we really got to know each other. 

‘I was introduced to him, obviously, but a real friendship developed between us after that. You can find a good designer, but it’s worthless if they don’t really get you.’

While she cited the gown that Riccardo had made her for her Met Gala debut as one of her ‘favourite’ looks.

She said: ‘Riccardo showed me what cool was. And he’s so kind… He designed clothes for North for fun. He also made my dress for my very first Met Gala. When I think back, it’s one of my favourites.’

Kim was heavily pregnant with eldest daughter North when she attended the 2013 Met Gala, in a figure-hugging floral gown that clung to her blossoming bump.

Speaking to Vogue in 2019 about the design process, she explained how there had been two versions of the dress originally, a black one and the rose-print.

She recalled the sweet way that Riccardo decided on the floral, saying: ‘I was like, “I think I should just do the black version,” and Riccardo was like, “No, c’mon, we have to do the floral”.

‘Riccardo said afterwards, “What do you give a woman who is pregnant? You send her flowers”.’

The look was one of the most talked-about on the night, and soon became what cemented Kim’s place on the fashion map. 

BALENCIAGA 

One fashion house that has become synonymous with Kim is Balenciaga, with the mother-of-four sharing a close friendship with previous director, Demna.

She often served as his muse, walking in several of the label’s runway shows and starring in several campaigns, before officially becoming the brand’s ambassador in January 2024.

She famously underwent a style transformation when she began dating now ex-husband Kanye, with the rapper seen completely overhauling her wardrobe in an episode of Keeping Up With the Kardashians.

She later admitted in 2018: ‘I always thought I had really good style… until I met my husband and he told me that I had the worst style. 

‘He was really nice about it and cleaned out my whole closet. I probably had 250 pairs of shoes and when we were done cleaning it out, I had two pairs left and I cried.’

However, after Kim filed for divorce in February 2021, she found herself having to reevaluate her wardrobe according to her own judgement, which she admitted she struggled to trust.

Speaking candidly on The Kardashians, she explained: ‘I definitely see what I like, but I’ve never really been the visionary. 

‘Kanye would come in and be like, “You should do your hair like this. You should do your makeup like this.” That’s his love language, it’s clothes. I always just trusted in him.

And notably, the breakdown of Kim and Kanye’s marriage coincided with the period her relationship to Demna strengthened, with her wearing the famous black Balenciaga gown that covered her face to the Met Gala that year.

In her chat to Vogue France, Kim explained how crucial her relationship with Balenciaga and Demna had been for improving her confidence, calling it ‘very validating’.

She said: ‘I think things really changed with Demna. He doesn’t care about what other people think, so I learned to do the same. We became very close. 

‘I already liked dressing up before I met him, of course, but it was different. I thought fashion was something very elaborate, with sequins or that kind of flashy stuff. 

‘Whereas with Balenciaga, I can wear any piece without having to overdo it. It doesn’t have to be chic or sophisticated to be strong. 

‘I can dress more simply, without the help of a stylist, according to my own tastes. It’s very validating.’

SKIMS 

After learning from several incredible fashion designers and developing her own sense of style, Kim finally decided to take what she’d learned and create her own brand.

She co-founded Skims in 2019, using her own image as part of the advertising and marketing, and sold more than three million products in the first year.

Speaking about how Skims had changed her, she told Vogue France: ‘Starting this company has taught me a lot about the business world, supply chains, manufacturing plants, distribution channels… 

‘From the beginning, I had a clear vision of what I wanted, and I was lucky enough to be able to make it happen. My team trusts me. They always listen to my ideas… even when I told them about slimming face masks! 

‘Some might have thought it was ridiculous, but they did everything they could to make it happen. So I’d say that, despite the challenges, this agreement has led to some great things.’

The success and popularity of Skims can be credited, in part, to its willingness to branch out; first by updating what shapewear looks like in 2020’s and then adding a variety of partnerships and collaborations, including many celebrities.

While the company also stresses the importance of body positivity and inclusivity, offering a full range of inclusive sizes.

In October 2023, the brand made the move to launch a men’s underwear collection after hearing how guys were fans of the brand and has since evolved into including swimwear, loungewear and sleepwear.

And as well as starring in brand campaigns, Kim is frequently seen in the brand’s designs on nights out and at events.

And on Monday, Kim debuted NikeSkims, bringing together her brand and Nike to create an activewear company, spanning seven different collection.

launches for sale on September 26.