Kim Kardashian Wore 50,000 Pearls as Her Met Gala Dress

With a decade of Met Gala appearances under her belt, Kim Kardashian is among the few celebrities who have transcended into the category of fashion royalty. So naturally, it’s only fitting that she dress the part of a truly regal figure – which she delivered on (and then some) with her pearl-adorned Schiaparelli Haute Couture ensemble on the 2023 Met Gala red carpet. At the heart of her look was a neutral corseted midsection that accentuated her curves with layers of strung pearls draped horizontally. Ruffled sleeves and a crêpe train accent made the look all the more ethereal, while a textured silver choker infused it with an added edginess. Her dress included 50,000 pearls and 16,000 crystals and took more than 1,000 hours to complete, according to Vogue.

Longtime stylist Dani Levi has sourced many of Kardashian’s most notable red carpet looks, and her latest Met Gala number is no exception. Mario Dedivanovic relied on Skkn by Kim products to build out her angelic glow for the evening, and the mogul – much like her sister Kylie Jenner – opted for a tousled, Pamela Anderson-inspired updo to complete her elevated vibe.

Kardashian joined a host of other celebrities in honoring the late fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld through her look for the occasion. Lagerfeld’s designs were often rooted in a classic Parisian elegance that felt elevated and timeless. While this year’s red carpet had no shortage of sparkle or sequins, Kardashian stood out with an ensemble that embraced classic fashion trends through a more modern lens. Truly, beyond Kardashian, who else could team a corset-like dress with dripping pearls and actually pull off the look?

This isn’t the first time the entrepreneur and reality star has managed to blend the old with the new via her fashion choices – and her style evolution through the years all but proves it. Just last month at the Time 100 Summit, she leaned into the minimalist aesthetic with a sheer blazer and trouser combo that she paired with muted jewels and another messy-yet-put-together updo – much like the one she rocked on the Met Gala red carpet.

Ahead, get a glimpse of Kardashian’s pearl-adorned ensemble up close.

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