By Sara Bright
Kim Kardashian is no stranger to making headlines with her fashion choices, whether it’s her daring Met Gala outfits, her controversial fur coats, or her signature Skims shapewear. But her latest look at the Balenciaga show during Paris Fashion Week has sparked a debate among fans and critics: Did she forget to remove the price tag from her dress, or was it a deliberate statement?
The reality TV star and businesswoman wore a black lace gown with long sleeves and a high neck, which left little to the imagination. But what caught everyone’s attention was the large white tag hanging from the back of her dress, with the word Balenciaga clearly visible.
Some people thought it was a wardrobe malfunction, and mocked her for being careless or clueless. Others thought it was a clever marketing move, and praised her for being edgy and innovative. And some wondered if it was a subtle dig at her soon-to-be ex-husband Kanye West, who is a close friend and collaborator of Balenciaga’s creative director Demna Gvasalia.
So, what was the real story behind Kim’s Balenciaga tags? Was it a fashion faux pas or a genius marketing move? Let’s take a closer look at the possible explanations and implications of this controversial fashion moment.
A Fashion Faux Pas
One of the most obvious and common interpretations of Kim’s Balenciaga tags is that it was a simple mistake, and that she forgot to cut them off before wearing the dress. This could be due to a lack of time, attention, or assistance, or simply because she didn’t notice them.
This would not be the first time that a celebrity has made a fashion faux pas with a price tag. In 2021, Jennifer Lopez was spotted wearing a pair of boots with the tag still attached to the sole. In 2020, Meghan Markle wore a red dress with the tag hanging from the hem. And in 2019, Rita Ora wore a bathrobe with the tag still on the sleeve.
These incidents are usually seen as embarrassing and unprofessional, and often lead to jokes and memes on social media. They also suggest that the celebrities are not invested or interested in their outfits, and that they are simply wearing them for the sake of publicity or endorsement.
A Genius Marketing Move
Another possible interpretation of Kim’s Balenciaga tags is that it was a deliberate and strategic decision, and that she wore them on purpose to create a buzz and a conversation. This could be due to a collaboration, a sponsorship, or a personal preference, or simply because she wanted to make a statement.
This would not be the first time that a celebrity has used a price tag as a fashion accessory. In 2021, Billie Eilish wore a jacket with a tag that read “I Love You” on the red carpet of the Grammys. In 2020, Harry Styles wore a cardigan with a tag that read “Harris Reed” on the cover of Vogue. And in 2019, Cardi B wore a coat with a tag that read “Balenciaga” on the streets of Paris.
These incidents are usually seen as creative and original, and often lead to trends and sales on social media. They also suggest that the celebrities are invested and interested in their outfits, and that they are using them to express their personality or their message.
A Subtle Dig at Kanye West
A third possible interpretation of Kim’s Balenciaga tags is that it was a subtle and sneaky dig at her estranged husband Kanye West, who is a close friend and collaborator of Balenciaga’s creative director Demna Gvasalia. This could be due to a resentment, a rivalry, or a revenge, or simply because she wanted to make a point.
This would not be the first time that a celebrity has used a fashion choice as a way to shade or diss their ex. In 2021, Olivia Rodrigo wore a vintage Sour Patch Kids jacket on the cover of her debut album Sour, which was widely seen as a reference to her ex-boyfriend Joshua Bassett. In 2020, Miley Cyrus wore a T-shirt that read “My head hurts” on the day of her divorce from Liam Hemsworth. And in 2019, Ariana Grande wore a necklace that read “Thank U, Next” on the cover of her hit single of the same name, which was widely seen as a diss to her ex-fiancé Pete Davidson.
These incidents are usually seen as petty and shady, and often lead to drama and speculation on social media. They also suggest that the celebrities are not over their exes, and that they are using their fashion choices to send a message or to get attention.
The Verdict
So, what was the real story behind Kim’s Balenciaga tags? Was it a fashion faux pas or a genius marketing move? Or was it a subtle dig at Kanye West?
The truth is, we may never know for sure, unless Kim herself decides to reveal it. But whatever the case may be, one thing is certain: Kim knows how to make an impact with her fashion choices, and how to keep us all talking and guessing. And that, in itself, is a sign of a true fashion icon.
