Everything Kim Kardashian touches draws attention, but her most recent appearance has left both fans and critics in awe.
Many believe she has truly surpassed herself this time — and it’s hard not to look.
A sock-like mask
At 44, Kim Kardashian has been a staple on the red carpet, captivating audiences with bold outfits that blend fashion with spectacle. From form-fitting gowns to innovative ensembles, the reality star and entrepreneur has made it her trademark to challenge style limits and ignite discussions while doing so.
Just as Kim Kardashian is accustomed to turning heads, the Academy Museum Gala in California is known for its breathtaking fashion. However, this year, it wasn’t her dress that captured the attention, but rather her head.
The reality star made her entrance on the red carpet wearing a skin-toned Maison Margiela gown, which featured a sock-like mask, a balaclava-style covering that revealed only the faintest outline of her features.
This wasn’t Kardashian’s first time making a statement with a mask.
In 2021, she showed up at the same gala dressed in an all-black Balenciaga catsuit complete with a cape, completely hiding her head. However, even with previous bold choices, the surprise factor remained high this time. Naturally, social media users were quick to share their thoughts.
“I didn’t realize that there was a Botox shortage until this,” one user commented.
“Looks like one of those crazy looking pumpkin heads,” another remarked.
“Worst dressed star”
Media outlets were equally unreserved in their opinions.
The Daily Mail quickly branded her appearance as one of the “worst dressed stars” of the evening, describing the 44-year-old SKIMS founder’s masked outfit as “peculiar.”
The article pointed out, “Among the style blunders at the Annual Academy Museum Gala was a peculiar masked look from none other than red carpet queen Kim Kardashian.” Fans echoed the criticism and confusion on social media.
One user on X compared it to a humorous “cover the face with a brown bag” joke: “Guarantee you it isn’t the first time somebody had to cover her face!” another added.
Others adopted a more relaxed style. “Certainly a more appealing look than what she typically uses to cover her face,” commented one fan.
Connections to her previous relationships didn’t escape the notice of commenters either. “So… she actually has a face. I never realized until now,” remarked one observer, while another chimed in, “Oh look, Kanye’s ex-wife behaving like Kanye.”
One theory stood out.
The similarities to her appearance in 2021 were striking. That all-black Balenciaga outfit, featuring pointed shoes and a flowing fork-tailed cape, had drawn comparisons to Kanye West’s current spouse, Bianca.
Even the brand’s creative director, Demna Gvasalia, was seen alongside Kardashian that evening, completely masked in black. As one fan humorously noted, “It’s as if Kanye West is with her even when he’s not.”
Meanwhile, Kardashian’s sister Kendall Jenner, who attended the gala in a more traditional gown, seemed to maintain her distance on the red carpet, steering clear of being photographed next to the SKIMS founder.
The masked appearance comes just days after Kardashian posed with her mother, Kris Jenner, at the All’s Fair premiere. Some social media users speculated that Kim appeared irritated with Kris for drawing attention while dressed to the nines in Givenchy.
Another theory circulating online suggests the mask could be a clever way to conceal recent cosmetic enhancements — a rumor that has been floating around since the look first debuted.
Whether it’s a daring fashion statement, a playful reference to past headlines, or a strategic disguise, one thing is certain: Kim Kardashian’s latest red carpet appearance has sparked plenty of conversation. What are your thoughts — brilliant move or fashion faux pas?
