Kim Kardashian's Surprise Runway Walk at Demna's Final Balenciaga Show

Kim Kardashian's surprise Balenciaga runway walk sparks debate. Demna's final show ends an era. Will Kardashian's future with the brand continue?
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Kim Kardashian Stuns Paris Fashion Week in Surprise Balenciaga Walk

Kim Kardashian at Paris Fashion Week

Kim Kardashian made a surprise appearance as a runway model during Demna Gvasalia's final show as creative director for Balenciaga at Paris Fashion Week on July 9, 2025. The event, showcasing Balenciaga's Fall 2025 haute couture collection, marked a significant moment for both Kardashian and the fashion house.

A Star-Studded Farewell for Demna

Kim Kardashian in Balenciaga Couture

The show, held at Balenciaga's couture salons on Avenue George V, attracted a constellation of A-list celebrities and models. Among the attendees and fellow models were Lauren Sánchez Bezos, Katy Perry, Nicole Kidman, Cardi B, Isabelle Huppert, Liu Wen, Eva Herzigová, and Naomi Campbell. Demna, visibly moved by the occasion, took a rare bow to a standing ovation at the show's conclusion.

Kardashian's Haute Couture Look

Close-up of Kim Kardashian's outfit

Kardashian's runway attire was a meticulously crafted ensemble. She wore a figure-hugging ivory midi dress with lace trim, complemented by a matching fur coat. The dazzling jewelry, courtesy of Lorraine Schwartz, included the Mike Todd Diamond Pendant Earrings—previously owned by Elizabeth Taylor—and two necklaces boasting approximately 250 carats of diamonds. The press release from Lorraine Schwartz described Kardashian's dress as an homage to Elizabeth Taylor's iconic look in the 1958 film "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof." Other models also showcased custom jewelry exceeding 1,000 carats of diamonds and precious stones.

Demna's Final Collection: A Return to Craft

Detail from Demna's final collection

Demna's final collection for Balenciaga was praised for its return to traditional tailoring and craftsmanship, a departure from some of the more provocative elements of his previous work. The soundtrack for the show uniquely featured recordings of the first names of collaborators and models, including Kim Kardashian herself, culminating with Sade's "Ordinary Love."

Mixed Reactions to Kardashian's Runway Debut

Another image related to the show

While the show itself and Demna’s departure were widely celebrated, Kardashian's runway walk sparked mixed reactions online. Some social media users offered playful critiques, describing her walk as "drunk," "awkward," or "tired," drawing comparisons to sleepwalking or acting inebriated. However, other viewers defended her appearance.

Balenciaga's Legacy and Future

Kim Kardashian and Balenciaga

Demna's departure marks the end of a significant era for Balenciaga, a brand he transformed into a cultural phenomenon. His tenure, while undeniably impactful, has also been polarizing. His reported move to Gucci as artistic director leaves a significant void at Balenciaga. Pierpaolo Piccioli, formerly of Valentino, is slated to replace him.

Kardashian and Balenciaga: A Continuing Relationship

Image related to Kardashian and Balenciaga

Kardashian's continued association with Balenciaga, particularly after the brand's 2022 advertising campaign controversy involving children (which led to her public condemnation of the images), remains a topic of discussion. Her runway appearance further fuels the conversation surrounding her relationship with the brand despite past controversies.

The Context of Paris Fashion Week

Paris Fashion Week related image

This event unfolded during Paris Fashion Week's Haute Couture Week 2025, a prominent fashion event that attracts global attention and sets trends for the industry. Kardashian's participation, combined with Demna’s farewell, ensured the Balenciaga show remained a highly talked-about moment of the week.

Kim Kardashian's Prior Involvement with Balenciaga

Image of Kim Kardashian's previous Balenciaga appearance

It is worth noting that this wasn't Kardashian's first time on a Balenciaga runway. She previously made her Paris runway debut for the brand in 2022, solidifying her close relationship with the brand and its creative director, Demna.

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