Kim Kardashian is still facing criticism from Bob Mackie, who thinks she was “wrong” to wear Marilyn Monroe’s dress to the 2022 Met Gala.
The 84-year-old designer created the iconic dress — which was worn by the Hollywood legend in 1962 when she sang “Happy Birthday” to President John F. Kennedy — alongside Jean Louis, and during an interview after a screening of his new documentary Bob Mackie: Naked Illusion, he was unsurprised when the audience booed the SKIMS founder’s much-discussed fashion moment. The original dress is valued at over $4.8 million.
During his interview with Fern Mallis for her “Fashion Icons” series, Mackie was asked about sketching the dress for Louis. The series has become renowned for featuring candid conversations with fashion industry legends.
“He hesitated and asked the audience to respond … if they thought it was OK,” a source told the New York Post newspaper’s Page Six column. The event was attended by numerous fashion industry professionals and historians.
Kardashian booed
The response was a “resounding loud house of boos” from the spectators. The reaction reflects ongoing controversy surrounding the preservation of historical fashion pieces.
“Bob shrugged and said, ‘Wrong is wrong!'” the insider added. This sentiment has been echoed by many museum curators and fashion conservators worldwide.
Mackie previously branded the decision to loan Kardashian the iconic dress a “big mistake.” The dress represents a significant moment in both fashion and American political history.
“Nobody photographs like that,” Mackie said. “And it was done for her. It was designed for her. Nobody else should be seen in that dress.” The original dress was custom-made to Monroe’s exact measurements in 1962.
“Ripley’s Believe It or Not!” loaned Kardashian the gown — which Mackie did the original sketches for — for the Met Gala, but she only wore it for a few minutes on the red carpet before changing into a replica. The museum purchased the dress at auction for $4.8 million in 2016.
The reality star was also criticized after losing 16 pounds in less than a month to fit into the dress, having admitted she gave up sugar and carbs for three weeks beforehand. Health experts expressed concern about the message this sent to young followers.
“I had this idea to try it on and then they came with armed guards and gloves,” Kardashian said. The dress was transported with extensive security measures, reflecting its historical significance.
“I tried it on and it didn’t fit me,” the reality TV star said. “I said, ‘Give me three weeks.’ I had to lose 16 pounds down today.” Nutritionists have warned against such rapid weight loss methods.
“It was such a challenge. It was like a [movie] role. I was determined to fit [into] it,” Kardashian said. “I haven’t had carbs or sugar in about three weeks. We’re having pizza and donut party back at the hotel [after the Met Gala].”
She was criticized by a number of people including “Riverdale” star Lili Reinhart, who voiced concerns about the impact on young fans.
“To walk on a red carpet and do an interview where you say how starving you are … because you haven’t eaten carbs in the last month … all to fit in a f—— dress? So wrong. So f—-d on hundreds of levels,” Reinhart fumed on her Instagram Story. Her comments garnered support from mental health advocates.
“To openly admit to starving yourself for the sake of the Met Gala. When you know very well that millions of young men and women are looking up to you and listening to your every word. The ignorance is other-worldly disgusting.” The controversy highlighted ongoing discussions about body image and influence in social media.
The incident has sparked broader conversations about the preservation of historical fashion pieces and the responsibility of public figures in promoting healthy body image standards. Museum conservators continue to emphasize the importance of protecting historical garments for future generations.
