Kim Kardashian Balenciaga Ambassador: Why This Gig Is Controversial

Is it stunning? Not likely. However are some disenchanted to see this after the model’s viral controversy? Completely. Let’s unpack.

And identical to that, Kim Kardashian and Balenciaga are again collectively. The enterprise relationship between the polarizing billionaire and the controversial model has been ostensibly on a break for the previous a number of months. However now, they’re hard-launching their reunion in a significant method: Kim Kardashian is Balenciaga’s latest ambassador.

On January 22, each events took to social media to make it official. “For a number of years now, Balenciaga’s designs have been part of my many seems to be — and a few of my most iconic trend moments,” Kim Kardashian mentioned in an announcement shared on Instagram Tales.

“This historic trend home embraces modernity [and] craftsmanship and takes an progressive method to design underneath Demna,” she added, referring to the model’s artistic director. When you’ve been following this relationship for the previous yr, this information could increase an eyebrow.

The Skims founder famously distanced herself from the model in 2022, following its viral controversy. TL;DR: the posh home was in sizzling water after releasing two campaigns that had been perceived as selling little one exploitation. On the time, the label was identified for deliberately drumming up shock worth, be it by way of simulated snow storms or eye-assaulting Croc stilettos. However this marketing campaign, social media feeds agreed, went too far.

The web-breaking cancellation got here at a foul time for the sweetness mogul, who had been sporting Balenciaga at practically each pink carpet occasion main up till that time — together with the 2021 Met Gala — and who had develop into the de facto face of the model.

Since then, Balenciaga has been making an attempt to restore its sullied fame. On the prime of 2023, artistic director Demna pledged to desert the gimmicks he was identified for in favour of high quality craftsmanship. This technique appeared to vary in latest months, nevertheless, with the model releasing an endlessly meme-able towel skirt and partnering with luxury L.A. grocer Erewhon on exorbitant buying totes. (The latter of which Kim Ok debuted at their Fall 2024 runway present.)

Quick ahead to now when it appears Balenciaga is positioning itself to be again in the identical spot it was pre-scandal, and Kim Kardashian is lending her hand. “For me, this long-standing relationship is constructed on mutual belief and a dedication to doing what’s proper,” she continued in her assertion. “I’m enthusiastic about this subsequent chapter for the model and to develop into their ambassador.”

Following the announcement, Kardashian appeared within the model’s newly launched Closet marketing campaign, which took viewers inside her dressing room. Starring alongside different trend tastemakers, together with Nicola Peltz Beckham and Paloma Elsesser, Kim Kardashian is wholeheartedly embracing her standing as a Balenciaga ambassador. However not everyone seems to be bought.

“On the finish of the day, Kim Kardashian, in my view, solely cares about cash in conditions like this,” mentioned Jasmine Kharazi (@jasminedarya), a trend commentator on TikTok. “She actually will do something for a verify,” one other individual commented.

Say what you’ll about Balenciaga and its latest ambassador Kim Kardashian, however there’s no denying they each know learn how to garner consideration. It appears these two are endgame, no matter controversy.

For higher or worse, we suppose.