Kim Kardashian’s Unforgettable Met Gala Look: How Kanye’s Influence Shaped Her 2021 Style

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Continuing her recent trend of concealing her face—first seen in her all-leather ensemble earlier in New York—Kim Kardashian wore a dramatic, burqa-inspired, all-black Balenciaga outfit to the 2021 Met Gala at New York City’s Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Kim Kardashian wears a head to toe Balenciaga ensemble for the Met Gala 2021Kim Kardashian wears a head-to-toe Balenciaga ensemble for the Met Gala 2021 in New York City on September 13, 2021 (Credit: WENN / MEGA)

The Met Gala Theme and Kanye’s Influence on Kim’s Style

This year’s Met Gala theme was In America: A Lexicon of Fashion, which coincides with the opening of a two-part exhibition at the Met’s Anna Wintour Costume Center.

Earlier the same day, it was revealed that Kanye West had unfollowed her Instagram account. Kanye previously unfollowed all of the Kardashians except Kim following their split earlier this year.

Kim Kardashian covered up every inch of skin in a burqa-inspired look by BalenciagaKim Kardashian covered up every inch of skin in a burqa-inspired look by Balenciaga (Credit: WENN / MEGA)

“Even though Kanye is not attending tonight, his presence will be felt on the carpet,” a source told People about Kim’s ex-husband Kanye West.

“It was Kanye who introduced Kim to Demna and was instrumental in the newly formed relationship between her and Balenciaga.”

“This look on Kim is like a new subculture and fashion statement,” the source added. “No logo, no face, but everyone knows it’s her. Kanye gave her the courage to push creativity and people’s imagination through art. It’s the ultimate confidence.”

Kim Kardashian covered up completely in black for the Met Gala 2021Kim Kardashian covered up completely in black for the Met Gala 2021 (Credit: WENN / MEGA)

A Statement in Head-to-Toe Black

The Skims founder wore skintight leggings connected to black jersey boots, a black body-hugging T-shirt dress, opera gloves, a face-obscuring headpiece, and a long black train.

Wearing a very long ponytail, she was assisted up the stairs by a man dressed in a similar all-black bodysuit and hoodie. The wannabe lawyer was reportedly accompanied by designer Demna Gvasalia, the creative director of Balenciaga.

Kim Kardashian arrives in a full black bodysuit covering her entire face at the 2021 Met Gala in New York CityKim Kardashian arrives in a full black bodysuit covering her entire face at the 2021 Met Gala in New York City (Credit: WENN / MEGA)

Two days earlier, the 40-year-old reality star went out for an evening of fun in Balenciaga leather pants styled with an Incognito trench coat, black sunglasses, and the label’s popular Hourglass bag.

Kim Kardashian leaves her hotel in NYC with her good friend Lala AnthonyKim Kardashian leaves her hotel in NYC with her good friend Lala Anthony on September 11, 2021 (Credit: MEGA / WENN)

While Kim’s head-to-toe Balenciaga look at the Met Gala may have sparked intrigue and conversation, her recent public appearances in New York City showcase her continued flair for edgy, statement-making outfits.

Yet, this isn’t the first time Kim has made waves with her bold fashion choices. A few years prior, she turned heads in a classic yet provocative little black dress that perfectly showcased her signature curves and style.

Throwback to Kim Kardashian’s 2016 Little Black Dress Look

In August 2016, Kim Kardashian flaunted her killer curves and booty in a little black dress while arriving at Revolve on Melrose in West Hollywood, California.

Kim Kardashian donned a skintight ‘Cassiar’ dress by Privacy PleaseKim Kardashian donned a skintight ‘Cassiar’ dress by Privacy Please (Credit: WENN)

The ShoeDazzle founder donned a skintight ‘Cassiar’ dress by Privacy Please that showed off her tiny waist, ample cleavage, and toned derriere.

Kim Kardashian in a skintight dress that showed off her tiny waist, ample cleavage, and toned bootyKim Kardashian in a skintight dress that showed off her tiny waist, ample cleavage, and toned booty (Credit: WENN)

Complete the Look with Custom Yeezy Boots

She styled the tight black dress with a distressed denim choker by Sorella and custom black Yeezy boots.

Kim Kardashian styled the tight black dress with a distressed denim choker by Sorella and a pair of custom black Yeezy bootsKim Kardashian shows off her killer curves in a little black dress while arriving at Revolve on Melrose in West Hollywood on August 10, 2016 (Credit: WENN)

While her black boots were custom-made, you can get the same Italian-made boots in dark olive and gold at Farfetch.

Kim Kardashian wearing custom black Yeezy thigh-high bootsKim Kardashian wearing custom black Yeezy thigh-high boots (Credit: WENN)

They feature 100mm/ 4 inch stacked wood heels and Primeknit upper.

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