Kim Kardashian caused controversy when she arrived at the 2022 Met Gala wearing Marilyn Monroe’s legendary 1962 “Happy Birthday, Mr. President” dress.
To fit into the historical gown, Kim lost 16 pounds before the occasion and even changed into a replica as soon as she reached the party’s entrance since she could not move freely in the original.
“I’m extremely respectful to the dress and what it means to American history,” she told Vogue. “I would never want to sit in it or eat in it or risk any damage to it, and I won’t be wearing the kind of body makeup I usually do.”
Unfortunately, it appears that just standing on the red carpet with Pete Davidson may have damaged the “world’s most expensive dress.”
Side-by-side photos of the gown from before and after Kardashian wore it at the Met were released online Monday. One of the snaps, especially around the dress’ back clasp, shows traces of stretched fabric and missing crystals.
“Kim should’ve never worn that dress, to begin with. I mean, yes, it’s nice to pay homage to Marilyn, but she could’ve had a new dress made and replicated. This was a timeless and iconic artifact that’s been ruined,” one tweeted in response. “Leave it to Kim to destroy a historical piece of art,” another said.
Some Monroe experts were “disappointed” that Kim Kardashian was wearing Monroe’s “extremely fragile” gown at the Met, but Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! Museum responded to the Post by explaining they took precautions to avoid damage.
“This was no easy decision for Ripley’s. However, Kim Kardashian has continued to show the utmost respect for this opportunity and historic garment,” Ripley’s said. “From extensive research to following guidelines such as no body makeup, only wearing the dress for the short red-carpet appearance, and making absolutely no alterations, she has become a steward — and added to — its history.”
The museum also stated that the garment had sustained “no damage.”