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Kim Kardashian turned the final Balenciaga Haute Couture show under creative director Demna into a glittering homage to Hollywood royalty, Elizabeth Taylor.
On Wednesday, July 9, the famous Kardashian graced the Paris runway in a look directly inspired by Taylor’s iconic style, complete with the late actress’ own diamond chandelier earrings.
The earrings, once gifted to Taylor by her husband Mike Todd, were part of a memorable story the actress recounted in her book 'My Love Affair With Jewelry.' Initially purchased as costume jewelry in 1957, Todd had them secretly remade in real diamonds, surprising Taylor with the switch at a New York event.
Lorraine Schwartz, a close friend of both Taylor and the Kardashians, acquired the earrings during Christie’s 2011 auction of Taylor’s jewelry collection. The final sale price was a staggering $374,500. Schwartz also created custom diamond pieces for the show, including two dazzling necklaces totaling around 250 carats.
Kim's dress was just as much a tribute. The reality star wore a champagne satin slip dress with delicate lace trim, a fitted bodice, and a column silhouette, nodding to the white dress worn by Taylor in 'Cat on a Hot Tin Roof '(1958).
She finished the look with a feathered faux-fur coat draped over her shoulders and pointed neutral-toned pumps. Her glam channeled Old Hollywood as well. Hairstylist Chris Appleton styled her signature brunette hair into soft curls with a deep side part, while makeup artist Ariel Tejada completed the look with bronzy eyes, mascara, rosy cheeks, and pink-lined lips.
“Walking Demna’s last Balenciaga Couture show dripping in Lorraine Schwartz jewelry and wearing Elizabeth Taylor’s own diamond earrings from her private collection,” Kim wrote on Instagram, capturing the moment’s significance.
Kim has long admired Elizabeth Taylor and even interviewed the icon for Harper’s Bazaar in 2011, the actress’ final interview before her death at age 79 that same year. “I was always drawn to Elizabeth Taylor,” the SKIMS owner said in a 2024 BBC interview. “She understood her power and her beauty.”
“We were actually supposed to meet up for tea at her house, and then she fell ill,” Kim said, adding that their only meeting took place by phone. “We were talking about fighting for people,” she recalled.