not holding back

Kim Kardashian’s post-divorce glow: Star reveals how she regained confidence after Kanye West split


After years of compromise and criticism, she’s now trusting her instincts


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Shirley GomezSenior Writer
SEPTEMBER 24, 2025 11:38 AM EDT

Kim Kardashian is stepping into a whole new chapter, and she’s not holding back. The reality star, entrepreneur, and style icon is exuding confidence like never before, and much of that shift comes after her divorce from Kanye West.

In her French Vogue cover story, published Friday, Kim reflected on the turning point in her life, revealing how she grew into her own after years of leaning on others, particularly West, for validation.

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After years of compromise and criticism, she’s now trusting her instincts.

The Power of Turning 40

Kim, now 44, shared that her mom, Kris Jenner, told her as she approached her 40th birthday that the next decade would be the best years of her life. At the time, Kim was unsure. But now, looking back, she admits Jenner was right.

“Only over the past three or four years have I gained this confidence,” Kim told the magazine. “Before, I constantly needed to check with someone before making a decision. Can you imagine? It’s crazy to rely so much on others’ opinions. Today, I know exactly what I want. It’s exhilarating.”

It’s a clear sign of how far she’s come since filing for divorce from Kanye West in February 2021, after seven years of marriage.

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The former couple shares four children.

Kim didn’t drop West’s name in the interview, but her comments carried a subtle shade toward her ex. During their marriage, Kanye famously took over Kim’s wardrobe, often criticizing her choices and even tossing hundreds of her shoes.

“I always thought I had really good style — until I met my husband and he told me that I had the worst style,” Kim once admitted in a 2018 panel. She even recalled crying when West threw out 250 pairs of her shoes, promising to refill her closet with pieces he approved of.

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This transformation didn’t happen overnight. It’s been a journey.

Those days are gone. Now, Kim is charting her own path in fashion, crediting Demna, Balenciaga’s former artistic director, with helping her embrace her individuality. “He doesn’t care what people think, so I learned to do the same,” she explained.

A Shift in Confidence

What’s striking is not just Kim’s style evolution but her entire mindset. No longer deferring to her husband’s vision, she’s thriving as her own decision-maker. Whether it’s with her billion-dollar Skims empire, her legal studies, or her daring red-carpet looks, Kim is owning her choices.

This transformation didn’t happen overnight. It’s been a journey.

Kanye Moves On, Kimmie Glows Up

Since the divorce, Kanye has made headlines for his whirlwind marriage to Bianca Censori and her attention-grabbing outfits. From sheer dresses to edible lingerie, their appearances have sparked endless chatter. Reports even surfaced of West coaching Bianca to “make a scene.”

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Kanye has made headlines for his whirlwind marriage to Bianca Censori and her attention-grabbing outfits.

Meanwhile, Kim’s energy is completely different. Her story isn’t about shock value but self-discovery, self-assurance, and self-love. Now,

Kim Kardashian is in her confidence era. After years of compromise and criticism, she’s now trusting her instincts, making bold decisions, and fully embracing the freedom of being herself. 

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