Kim Kardashian’s fashion choices at the 2025 Academy Museum Gala in Los Angeles on October 18 made waves, showcasing her eclectic style and a deep appreciation for fashion history. The event saw Kardashian donning two strikingly different looks: a dramatic gown by Maison Margiela for the main gala and a bold vintage ensemble at the afterparty, which quickly became the talk of the evening.
At the gala, Kardashian made a statement in a face-covering gown by Maison Margiela, a design that combined high-fashion innovation with avant-garde elements. The gown, with its sculptural silhouette and mysterious allure, was a striking choice that solidified her presence at the prestigious event. However, it was the outfit she chose for the afterparty that truly caught the attention of fashion enthusiasts and observers alike.
For the afterparty, Kardashian revealed a vintage black satin John Galliano corset top, a piece that is forever linked to rock legend Courtney Love. This iconic corset, originally worn by Love at the 1995 MTV Video Music Awards, has become a symbol of both fashion and rock ‘n’ roll history. The corset, with its intricate design and provocative cut, was a standout piece at the time, and its cultural significance has only grown since then. In fact, the corset was recently sold for over $10,500 on 1stDibs, a testament to its enduring allure and status as a piece of fashion history.
Kardashian’s styling of the corset was a masterclass in balancing the old with the new. She paired the vintage Galliano corset with high-waisted black Skims capri pants, creating a sleek and modern look that still allowed the corset to be the centerpiece of the ensemble. The addition of high heels elevated the outfit even further, giving it a contemporary edge while still honoring the boldness of the 1995 original. This juxtaposition of a historic piece with modern elements highlighted Kardashian’s unique ability to merge past and present in her personal style.
This choice to wear the Galliano corset is a notable one, as it reinforces Kardashian’s growing status as not just a celebrity but a true fashion curator. Her keen eye for significant, historic pieces and her ability to integrate them into her wardrobe with contemporary styling further solidifies her reputation as one of the most influential figures in fashion today. Whether she’s wearing a cutting-edge designer gown or an iconic vintage corset, Kardashian consistently showcases her impeccable taste and her understanding of fashion’s cultural narrative.
What makes her styling of the Galliano corset even more compelling is the context it brings to the piece. The corset’s association with Courtney Love and its appearance at one of the most memorable MTV VMA moments in history adds layers of meaning to the ensemble. Love, known for her punk rock aesthetic and rebellious spirit, wore the corset with an attitude that matched its provocative design. By wearing the same piece, Kardashian not only paid homage to a fashion moment of the past but also to the powerful, boundary-pushing women who have shaped the fashion world in their own right.
Kim Kardashian’s bold fashion choices at the 2025 Academy Museum Gala, including her tribute to Courtney Love with the vintage Galliano corset, demonstrate that she is much more than just a trendsetter. She is a modern-day curator of historic fashion, constantly finding ways to connect the past with the present in a way that feels fresh, relevant, and utterly captivating.