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‘All’s Fair’ Star Kim Kardashian (45) Trades Last Year’s Face Mask for Pure Elizabeth Taylor Glamour at the Academy Museum Gala

ByHrvoje Milakovic Published on
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Kim Kardashian never walks a red carpet quietly. Last year at the Academy Museum Gala, she arrived in a nude corseted Maison Margiela couture gown with a matching mask that covered her entire face. She later told Variety that she had a full face of makeup underneath and had flown in her makeup artist Mario Dedivanovic before deciding on the headpiece at the last minute.

That moment set a high bar for this year’s carpet. Since then, Kardashian has been shaking up her image in other ways, including a new bob haircut debuted at the 2026 Vanity Fair Oscar Party in a molten liquid gold gown. She also began working with celebrity stylist Law Roach, who appeared to confirm that she was a new client around the Lucas Museum opening celebration.

So when she stepped onto the carpet at the 6th annual Academy Museum Gala on Saturday, Oct. 17, all eyes were on what she would do next. The answer was a complete change of mood, with Kardashian swapping avant-garde for old Hollywood in a vintage Balenciaga gown from 1951. It was one of the most talked-about arrivals of the night, and it came with a clear tribute to Elizabeth Taylor.

The gown was sourced from vintage purveyor Lily et Cie. It features a strapless neckline with a pink sash across the top and a large bow at the back that sweeps into a trailing train. The skirt is embroidered with flower and pearl patterns, with delicate lace detailing that gives the cream-colored fabric a confectionery look.

The mix of a draped satin bodice and heavily textured skirt makes the dress feel like a museum piece. It follows her figure closely before the bow and train add drama behind her. That back view, with the satin tail trailing along the floor, was a highlight in the photos.

The accessories were just as lavish. Styled by Law Roach, she wore a multi-layered 55.8-carat diamond Leviev necklace and oversized 10.2-carat diamond cluster earrings from Zydo Italy. The sparkle matched the gown’s historic pedigree.

Her hair completed the tribute. She wore it in a dramatic, voluminous bouffant, a style long associated with Taylor. It was a clear nod to the late ‘Cleopatra’ star.

The tribute isn’t random. Kardashian has long been open about her admiration for Taylor, and she released a docuseries called ‘Elizabeth Taylor: Rebel Superstar’ last year. She has also worn Taylor’s jewelry before, including at a Balenciaga runway show in 2025 where she wore earrings that once belonged to the actress.

Balenciaga is a fitting choice, too, since Kardashian has long been associated with the house. Together, the vintage dress, the diamonds and the hair formed a cohesive story rather than a series of separate decisions. It’s the kind of styling that rewards a closer look.

Kardashian wasn’t the only headline. Taylor Swift was the night’s feature attraction, arriving in a strapless light blue Dior gown before performing. Sabrina Carpenter also wore blue, Ana de Armas chose Louis Vuitton, and Hailey Bieber and Kendall Jenner were among the other guests who helped make the carpet feel like a rival to the Met Gala.

One outlet noted that Kardashian’s look was among the most talked-about moments of the evening. Her archival choice also fit a wider trend of vintage and archive pieces on the carpet. The gala is known for blending couture and film history, and this year’s lineup leaned into that.

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The evening honored Charlize Theron with the Icon Award, Colman Domingo with the Vantage Award and John Carpenter with the Luminary Award. Rolex presented, and Tom Ford, Robert Rodriguez, Steven Spielberg and Kate Capshaw co-chaired. The event raised more than $14 million for the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures.

That money supports the museum’s exhibitions, public screenings and education programs. It also helps explain why the gala draws so much star power each year. Kardashian’s contribution to the glamour was a perfect example of how fashion and film history can meet.

Looking back, the contrast between 2025 and 2026 is striking. Last year’s headline was a face she chose to hide. This year’s headline was a vintage gown, a pink bow and a bouffant, all in service of honoring a screen legend.

Which Kim Kardashian Academy Museum Gala look do you prefer?

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