Kim Kardashian Channels Elizabeth Taylor Glamour at the 6th Academy Museum Gala

Avatar photoHrvoje Milakovic
Kim Kardashian 3
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Kim Kardashian always makes a statement on the red carpet. At last year’s Academy Museum Gala, she turned heads in a nude corseted Maison Margiela couture gown paired with a matching mask that concealed her face. She later revealed to Variety that she had a full face of makeup underneath and had flown in her makeup artist Mario Dedivanovic to finalize her look at the last minute.

That appearance set a high standard for this year’s event. Since then, Kardashian has been reinventing her style, debuting a new bob haircut at the 2026 Vanity Fair Oscar Party while wearing a molten liquid gold gown. She also began collaborating with celebrity stylist Law Roach, who confirmed her as a new client during the Lucas Museum opening celebration.

When she arrived at the 6th annual Academy Museum Gala on Saturday, Oct. 17, all eyes were on her next move. This time, Kardashian opted for a vintage Balenciaga gown from 1951, marking a shift from avant-garde to classic Hollywood glamour. Her look was one of the most discussed of the night and served as a tribute to the iconic Elizabeth Taylor.

The gown was sourced from vintage retailer Lily et Cie, featuring a strapless neckline adorned with a pink sash and a large bow at the back that cascades into a trailing train. The skirt is beautifully embroidered with floral and pearl patterns, complemented by delicate lace detailing that gives the cream fabric a sweet, confectionery appearance.

The combination of a draped satin bodice and a heavily textured skirt makes the dress feel like a work of art. It hugs her figure closely before the dramatic bow and train add flair from behind. The back view, with the satin tail trailing elegantly along the floor, was a standout in the photos.

Her accessories were equally extravagant. Styled by Law Roach, she donned a multi-layered 55.8-carat diamond Leviev necklace and oversized 10.2-carat diamond cluster earrings from Zydo Italy, perfectly matching the gown’s historic elegance.

Kardashian’s hair completed the homage, styled in a dramatic, voluminous bouffant reminiscent of Taylor’s iconic look, paying tribute to the late star of ‘Cleopatra.’

This tribute is no coincidence. Kardashian has openly expressed her admiration for Taylor, even releasing a docuseries titled ‘Elizabeth Taylor: Rebel Superstar’ last year. She has also worn Taylor’s jewelry, including at a Balenciaga runway show in 2025, where she sported earrings that once belonged to the actress.

Choosing Balenciaga is fitting, as Kardashian has long been associated with the fashion house. The vintage dress, diamonds, and hairstyle came together to create a cohesive narrative rather than a series of isolated choices, showcasing styling that invites a closer inspection.

Kardashian wasn’t the only star to steal the spotlight. Taylor Swift was the evening’s main attraction, arriving in a strapless light blue Dior gown before her performance. Other attendees included Sabrina Carpenter in blue, Ana de Armas in Louis Vuitton, and Hailey Bieber and Kendall Jenner, all contributing to a carpet that rivaled the Met Gala.

One outlet noted that Kardashian’s look was among the most talked-about moments of the evening. Her choice of archival fashion also aligned with a broader trend of vintage pieces on the carpet. The gala is renowned for merging couture with film history, and this year’s lineup embraced that theme.

The evening honored Charlize Theron with the Icon Award, Colman Domingo with the Vantage Award, and John Carpenter with the Luminary Award. Rolex sponsored the event, with Tom Ford, Robert Rodriguez, Steven Spielberg, and Kate Capshaw co-chairing. The gala raised over $14 million for the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures.

These funds support the museum’s exhibitions, public screenings, and educational programs, explaining the star power that the gala attracts each year. Kardashian’s contribution to the evening’s glamour exemplified the intersection of fashion and film history.

Reflecting on the contrast between 2025 and 2026 is striking. Last year’s headline was a face she chose to conceal, while this year’s was a vintage gown, a pink bow, and a bouffant, all dedicated to honoring a cinematic legend.

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