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After Vogue revealed the theme for The Costume Institute’s 2024 exhibition, “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion,” in conjunction with the Met Gala, there has been speculation among internet users about whether the idea is a veiled criticism of Kim Kardashian.
Andrew Bolton, the Wendy Yu Curator in Charge of The Costume Institute, stated that the exhibit will focus on 50 important pieces of history that are too fragile and inactive to be worn again. These pieces, referred to as the “Sleeping Beauties,” were chosen from the institute’s private collection. The inspiration for showcasing these designs came from a 1887 Elizabethan bodice and silk satin ballgown created by renowned couturier Charles Frederick Worth. In total, the exhibit will display 250 designs, with the delicate and dormant pieces being brought back to life using advanced technology such as video animation, sound effects, CGI, and light protection.
Bolton emphasized that it is a tribute to nature and the emotional beauty of fashion.
The current approach seeks to recreate, reinterpret, and safeguard significant works from 400 years ago, some of which have been altered over time. There is speculation about whether this concept is targeted at Kardashian, who made headlines for wearing Marilyn Monroe’s iconic “Happy Birthday Mr President” dress from 1962 to the 2022 Met Gala.
In 2022, the billionaire behind Skims wore a skin-tight nude gown worth $4.8 million that was previously owned by Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum in Florida. The gown was worn to the Met Gala event “In America: An Anthology of Fashion” by the acclaimed singer. This ethereal piece of clothing was carefully stored in a temperature-controlled vault to preserve its material and keep it in good condition. However, when the 43-year-old founder of Skkn wore it, the fabric was exposed to a new environment, leading some to believe that she had damaged the delicate design.
Despite only wearing it briefly and then changing into a replica, Kardashian received criticism for taking out and attempting to wear the dress. Photos taken before and after she put on the garment showed alleged damage and missing rhinestones. However, Ripley’s has debunked claims that Kardashian destroyed Marilyn’s dress.
According to an official statement, Ripley’s Believe It or Not! can confidently state that it did not harm Marilyn Monroe’s iconic ‘Happy Birthday’ dress from 1962.
However, some online critics are suggesting that the selection of Anna Wintour and The Costume Institute’s theme for this year may have been influenced by the reality star’s choice to wear Marilyn’s dress. This decision was deemed one of the most contentious moments in the event’s past.
An individual on X, formerly known as Twitter, commented on the irony of this year’s Met Gala theme focusing on delicate historical clothing while Kim Kardashian chose to wear and potentially damage the Marilyn Monroe dress at the event two years ago. The phrase “the call is coming from inside the house” was also used.
Someone else stated: “I just realized that maybe the new Met Gala theme was inspired by the Kim Kardashian and Marilyn Monroe dress controversy.”
A TikTok user recently shared a duet on the app with a podcast clip originally posted by Luxe Collective. The clip featured two women discussing the theme of the Met Gala and how it relates to Kardashian’s look for 2022.
The speaker mentioned that it’s subtly criticizing Kim Kardashian. They explained that the event is centered on 50 valuable items that hold historical significance and are too delicate to be worn again, unlike Kim who wore Marilyn’s dress despite it not fitting her.
Despite the negative speculations, some fans have come to Kardashian’s defense, suggesting that the theme may have been influenced by her bringing back a historical piece.
A woman on TikTok raised a question about the conspiracy surrounding Kardashian and the theme, wondering why it was assumed to be a jab at her rather than being inspired by her wearing the Marilyn dress.
A different viewer mentioned: “You all continue to focus on this negative train, believing that Anna Wintour holds a grudge against Kim, but they are regularly seen on good terms. This jealousy is evident.”
The Independent has reached out to Kardashian’s representatives for a response.
Source: independent.co.uk
