Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · September 28, 2025 · Entertainment

Kim Kardashian's Style Evolution: From Balmain to Billion-Dollar Brand

She's become one of the world's biggest fashion icons. But Kim Kardashian's fashion history contains multitudes (seen at 2019 Met Gala)

The Evolution of Kim Kardashian: From "Balmain Barbie" to Fashion Icon

Kim Kardashian, 44, has been a household name for over a decade, but her journey from reality TV star to fashion icon has been nothing short of transformative. With a career spanning multiple brands and designers, Kim's style has undergone a significant evolution, reflecting not only her personal growth but also the shifting tides of the fashion industry.

Kim's early days in the spotlight were marked by a penchant for bandage dresses and chunky belts, but it was her 2010s "Balmain era" that truly cemented her status as a style influencer. During this period, she frequently wore the brand's signature sparkly and beaded designs, often pairing them with structured silhouettes that accentuated her curves.

The reality star's style is defined by a transformative evolution from bandage dresses and chunky belts to minimalist and body-conscious silhouettes (seen in 2007)

"I think my Balmain period really set the tone," Kim confessed to Vogue France in an exclusive interview. "It reminds me of my love for France and the times I spent in Paris, in Olivier's [Rousteing] Atelier. That time taught me a lot about fashion."

Her close relationship with Olivier Rousteing, the creative director of Balmain at the time, played a significant role in shaping her style during this era. Kim often credits him with introducing her to the world of high-end fashion and teaching her the importance of self-expression through clothing.

"Riccardo [Tisci] was one of the first designers to see my potential," Kim revealed. "He designed me for my wedding to Kanye, and I'll always be grateful for that." Their friendship blossomed over time, with Riccardo even creating a custom dress for Kim's Met Gala debut in 2013.

Her shift in style can be traced to the influence of her now-ex Kanye West, her close relationships with many of the fashion world's biggest names, and the launching of her own brand, Skims (pictured with Kanye in 2019)

However, it wasn't just Balmain or Riccardo Tisci that contributed to Kim's style evolution. Her marriage to Kanye West had a profound impact on her wardrobe, as the rapper was notorious for his sartorial influence over his wife. In an episode of Keeping Up With the Kardashians, viewers witnessed Kim's closet being cleaned out, leaving behind just two pairs of 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 admitted in 2018. "He was really nice about it and cleaned out my whole closet."

The breakdown of her marriage to Kanye coincided with a renewed focus on self-expression, as Kim began to explore more experimental looks and incorporate archival pieces into her wardrobe. Her collaboration with Balenciaga's creative director, Demna Gvasalia, marked a significant turning point in her style journey.

She wore a powder-blue pearl-embellished Balmain dress for her bachelorette party in Paris (seen) and even nicknamed herself 'Balmain Barbie' in 2019

"I think things really changed with Demna," Kim explained to Vogue France. "He doesn't care about what other people think, so I learned to do the same." The two share a close bond, with Demna often serving as Kim's muse on the runway and in campaigns.

Kim's relationship with Demna has been crucial in boosting her confidence, particularly when it comes to dressing herself without relying on a stylist. "It doesn't have to be chic or sophisticated to be strong," she said. "I can dress more simply, according to my own tastes."

In 2023, Kim debuted NikeSkims, a joint venture with the sportswear giant that marks her entry into the activewear market. The collection features seven distinct lines, ranging from sleek joggers to statement-making windbreakers.

She frequently favoured Balmain's famous sparkly and beaded dresses, and chose a futuristic silver gown from the brand to the Met Gala in 2016, which she described as 'a blingy sexy robot' (seen)

As she continues to push boundaries in the fashion industry, Kim's Skims brand has become synonymous with body positivity and inclusivity. With a focus on shapewear, loungewear, and sleepwear, Skims offers a full range of inclusive sizes, reflecting Kim's commitment to empowering women through fashion.

Throughout her career, Kim has remained unapologetically herself, embracing the spotlight and using it as an opportunity to promote self-love and acceptance. Her journey from "Balmain Barbie" to fashion icon serves as a testament to the transformative power of style and the importance of staying true to oneself.

"I had a clear vision for Skims from the beginning," Kim shared with Vogue France. "I wanted to create a brand that would inspire women to feel confident and beautiful in their own skin." With NikeSkims, she's taken this mission to the next level, proving once again why she remains one of the most influential fashion figures of our time.

While Kim also embraced Olivier's love of latex, squeezing her famous hourglasses curves into several of the skintight outfits at Paris Fashion Week in 2020 (seen)

Sources:

  • TheScholarlyNote.com
  • Kim Kardashian's interview with Vogue France, October 2023

And while there have been a slew of big names like Olivier, Mugler and Demna, who have played important roles in her fashion journey, Riccardo Tisci has arguably been the most vital

Kim was heavily pregnant with eldest daughter North when she attended the 2013 Met Gala, in a figure-hugging floral gown that clung to her blossoming bump (seen)

She often served as his muse, walking in several of the label's runway shows and starring in several campaigns, before officially becoming the brand¿s ambassador in January 2024 (seen at the Balenciaga show at PFW in July)

She famously underwent a style transformation when she began dating now ex-husband Kanye, with the rapper seen completely overhauling her wardrobe in an episode of Keeping Up With the Kardashians (seen in 2014)

However, after Kim filed for divorce in February 2021, she found herself having to reevaluate her wardrobe according to her own judgement, which she admitted she struggled to trust (seen with Kanye in 2016)

Notably, the breakdown of Kim and Kanye's marriage coincided with the period her relationship to Demna strengthened, with her wearing the famous black Balenciaga gown that covered her face to the Met Gala that year (pictured)

After learning from several incredible fashion designers and developing her own sense of style, Kim finally decided to take what she'd learned and create her own brand

She co-founded Skims in 2019, using her own image as part of the advertising and marketing, and sold more than three million products in the first year

And on Monday, Kim debuted NikeSkims, bringing together her brand and Nike to create an activewear company, spanning seven different collection