Kim Kardashian, a renowned reality TV star and entrepreneur, caused a stir with her outfit at the 2024 Met Gala, an event held on May 6 at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.
Kardashian was dressed in a custom-made Maison Margiela Artisanal gown, a creation of designer John Galliano. The outfit was distinguished by a metal corset that notably tightened her waist, stirring discussions and raising concerns about her comfort and safety.
The reactions to Kardashian’s outfit were varied, with some expressing admiration for the gown’s beauty and craftsmanship, while others voiced unease and concern over the physical constraints it seemed to impose. “Looking at her, I just wanted to offer her a deep breath,” commented a Gala attendee, referring to the corset’s tightness.
The gown, which combined a comfortable grey cashmere cardigan with a couture corset made from antique silver brocade and a skirt adorned with silver metal, was said to be inspired by the relationship between Elizabeth Taylor and her jewelry. The design, which mimicked lace, flowers, leaves, and sprigs, was in line with the Met Gala’s theme for the year, “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion,” which examined delicate fashion pieces from a natural perspective.
However, the use of a metal corset to significantly cinch the waist has sparked conversations about the potential health risks and the message it transmits about body image standards. Medical experts warn that such tight-lacing can significantly reduce lung capacity, interfere with the cardiovascular and digestive systems, and potentially cause chronic pain and posture issues in the long term.
Yet, Kardashian expressed her fondness for the corset’s visual impact during a red-carpet interview, stating, “It’s all worth it when you love the aesthetic,” thereby underscoring the transformative potential of audacious fashion choices.
Kardashian’s Met Gala appearances over the years have repeatedly sparked discussions about the extent to which fashion should push the human body. In 2022, she wore a dress that had originally belonged to Marilyn Monroe, necessitating a drastic weight loss of 16 pounds in three weeks, which led to health complications including psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.
Many critics, including those on social media, have expressed concerns that such displays continue to perpetuate unrealistic beauty standards. “When public figures embrace such extreme aesthetics, it sends a mixed message about body positivity and health,” observed Dr. Helen Marson, a specialist in body image issues.
Regardless of the controversy, Kardashian continues to be a prominent figure in the world of fashion, often using the Met Gala as a stage to make bold statements. Her history with the Met Gala demonstrates her readiness to challenge the norms of fashion and beauty.
