When Kim went Liz.
Kim Kardashian hit the red carpet at the Academy Museum Gala 2026 Saturday night, channeling Elizabeth Taylor with a prominent bouffant hairstyle.
For the so-called “Met Gala of the West,” the Skims founder wore an archival Balenciaga gown from 1951, sourced from vintage purveyor Lily et Cie, that featured a pink sash across the strapless neckline with a large bow in the back as well as delicate lace detailing.
Naturally, Kardashian, 44, and stylist Law Roach paired the look with a multi-layered 55.8-carat diamond Leviev necklace and oversized 10.2-carat diamond cluster earrings from Zydo Italy.
The choice of designer was fitting as Kim has long been associated with Balenciaga and even walked the runway for the brand in 2025 wearing earrings that once belonged to the late actress.
And the Skims founder has long been open about her obsession with the fellow diamond-loving starlet; She released her docuseries “Elizabeth Taylor: Rebel Superstar” last year and often pays homage to the “Cleopatra” star.
She was joined on the red carpet by other A-listers including sister Kendall Jenner, Hailey Bieber, Sabrina Carpenter and more. Fellow Taylor fanatic Taylor Swift is set to perform during tonight’s event, which celebrates filmmaker and composer John Carpenter as well as Colman Domingo and Charlize Theron.
The annual gala, now in it’s sixth year, is co-chaired by Tom Ford, Robert Rodriguez, Steven Spielberg and Kate Capshaw.
Kardashian made a splash at the same event last year, when she chose to wear a nude corseted Maison Margiela couture gown that included a matching face-obscuring mask.
The dramatic look included winged sleeves and the reality star, 45, added an enormous crystal choker, also Maison Margiela couture, around her neck as well as Lorraine Schwartz emerald pinky rings to complete the look.
Kardashian revealed to Variety on the red carpet that, despite her face being completely concealed, she had a complete face of makeup on underneath — and had flown makeup artist Mario Dedivanovic across the country for the event before deciding on the headpiece at the last minute.
Though she said, “I’m sure he’s not so happy with it,” she did promise to lift the veil once inside.
Dedivanovic joked about the moment on social media and hairstylist Chris Appleton — who fixed her hair in a butt-grazing wavy style — added on his own, saying, “Behind every masked moment is a glam team silently crying 🥹.”
