Kim Kardashian could not close Marilyn's dress from behind and wore a stole to hide
The businesswoman changed to a copy after the carpet and faces harsh criticism from experts who accuse her of endangering her mythical suit.
To show off you have to suffer, and if not, tell Kim Kardashian and her commitment to the Met gala. If in 2019 she had to take breathing classes with a corset, due to the very tight Thierry Mugler design she wore, and in 2021 she did not remove the oppressive mask of her Balenciaga outfit, to fit in the dress chosen for last Monday's edition, the businesswoman had to lose 16 pounds in three weeks.
The reality star stunned by posing in the authentic crystal-lined suit Marilyn Monroe wore in 1962 to sing Happy Birthday to then-President John Fitzgerald Kennedy at New York's Madison Square Garden.
But not all that glitters is gold - or crystal in this case. Although Kardashian lost her weight, her dress did not close completely because of the size of her butt, more voluminous than that of the legendary actress. To hide, the socialite walked with a fur stole that covered the problematic part and that was not removed throughout the walk.
In addition, to keep the dress in perfect condition, as soon as it reached the top of the steps and with the help of a member of the Ripley's Believe It or Not museum, borrowers of the fabulous costume, it was changed to an exact copy that also belongs to the museum.
"I am extremely respectful of the dress and everything it means to the history of America," Kardashian told Vogue before the event. "I would never want to sit or eat with it on, or endanger it in any way, and I won't be wearing the kind of body makeup I normally do."
However, these measures have not seemed sufficient to different experts, who have harshly criticized his decision to wear the fragile Bob Mackie design, materialized by Jean Louis, which was made to measure for Monroe and was so tight that he had to finish be sewn once the actress put it on, just before her performance.
The piece was acquired in 2016 by Ripley's Believe It or Not museum for $4.8 million, and has since been kept in a temperature and humidity controlled room, with Kardashian being the first to wear it after the diva.
Writer Michelle Morgan, who has published several books about the late performer, was "very disappointed" and commented that Kardashian could have given the suit "with sweat or makeup." She added "it's extremely delicate and has been kept in temperature-controlled conditions, but now there it is, not just on it, but on a red carpet where anything could have happened to it."
Historian and collector Scott Fortner also expressed her concern to People magazine. "This dress was made for Marilyn Monroe, it is not a garment that is taken from the hanger."
Another expert, fashion historian Dr. Justine De Young shared with the magazine "she could - and did - order a replica that was indistinguishable from the original. Such an iconic piece of American history shouldn't risk being damaged just by give an ego boost and a good photo opportunity.
For its part, the museum has shared a video showing how the dress test session was at its headquarters, weeks before the gala, since the piece could not be altered and Kardashian had to fit perfectly.
Dressed in a reducing girdle from SKIMS and white gloves, the businesswoman was helped to get dressed by several art curators from the museum, also wearing gloves, to take maximum care of the garment.
"We take great care in preserving this historical piece of pop culture," we could read on the museum's Instagram account. "With input from garment conservators, archivists and experts, the condition of the garment was top priority. Believe it or not, no alterations were made to the dress and Kim switched to a copy after the carpet.
During the fitting, the museum team presented Kardashian with a lock of blonde ambition and set up a special room, filled with memorabilia and material relating to the actress, for Kim to wear her costume. Upon receiving the hair from her, in a little silver box, the leathery mother exclaimed "oh my God! I'm literally going to do voodoo to summon Marilyn!"
Starting Memorial Weekend, the dress will be on display at the Hollywood Museum for all Monroe and Kardashian fans to see.
