Re-Evaluating Re-Evaluation
The luxury fashion house came under fire in November 2022 after a holiday collection photo shoot led to a deep-seated pedophilia conspiracy, a statement from Kardashian herself, and a $25 million lawsuit
Back in November 2022, Kim Kardashian was caught in the crossfire of criticism aimed at the luxury fashion house Balenciaga. After a holiday collection photoshoot featuring children led to a deep-seated pedophilia conspiracy, the mogul — who has worn Balenciaga to the Met Gala in addition to walking in one of their Paris Fashion Week shows — issued a statement saying that she would be “re-evaluating” her relationship with the brand.After less than two years of re-evaluating, on Monday, Jan. 19, Balenciaga named Kardashian their latest brand ambassador.
“For several years now, Balenciaga’s designs have been a part of my many looks – and some of my most iconic fashion moments,” Kardashian said in a statement. “This historic fashion house embraces modernity, craftsmanship and takes an innovative approach to design under Demna. For me, this long-standing relationship is built on mutual trust and a commitment to doing what’s right. I’m excited about this next chapter for the brand and to become their ambassador.”
The move isn’t entirely surprising given the absence of a single mention of the scandal in season three of The Kardashians, which premiered last summer. And as recently as December, she attended Balenciaga’s Fall 2024 fashion show in Los Angeles. Nicole Kidman, Michelle Yeoh, Isabelle Huppert, and Krit Amnuaydechkorn are also Balenciaga brand ambassadors.
“I have been quiet for the past few days, not because I haven’t been disgusted and outraged by the recent Balenciaga campaigns, but because I wanted an opportunity to speak to their team to understand for myself how this could have happened,” she said in the immediate wake of the controversial ad, which featured children photographed with what appeared to be BDSM-themed teddy bears.
As the controversy grew, social media users were quick to highlight that one of the public photos of the campaign featured a page of the Supreme Court case United States v. Williams — which prohibited the pandering of child p*rnography. The ad and its accompanying images were pulled after less than a week.
“We strongly condemn child abuse, it was never our intent to include it in our narrative,” Balenciaga told Rolling Stone in a statement at the time. “Our plush bear bags should not have been featured with children. The two separate ad campaigns in question reflect a series of grievous errors for which Balenciaga takes responsibility.”
Kardashian added: “As a mother of four, I have been shaken by the disturbing images. The safety of children must be held with the highest regard and any attempts to normalize child abuse of any kind should have no place in our society – period … I appreciate Balenciaga’s removal of the campaigns and apology. In speaking with them, I believe they understand the seriousness of the issue and will take the necessary measures for this to never happen again.”
Now, all that’s left to see is whether Kardashian will, at some point in the near future, have to re-evaluate her initial re-evaluation.
FAQs
Kim Kardashian becomes Balenciaga's brand ambassador two years after fashion label's controversy. After Kim Kardashian cut ties with Balenciaga in 2022 following backlash in response to a campaign depicting children in questionable light, the beauty brand billionaire is now the face of the luxury fashion house.
What is the relationship between Kim and Balenciaga? ›
Kim Kardashian becomes Balenciaga brand ambassador after campaign scandal. Kim Kardashian is all in with Balenciaga. After “re-evaluating” her relationship with the fashion house following its 2022 campaign scandal, the reality star-turned-billionaire mogul is the brand's new ambassador.
What were Kim's comments on Balenciaga? ›
Balenciaga swiftly apologized, but the scandal hasn't been entirely forgotten. At the time, Kardashian said she was "disgusted and outraged" by the campaign, reportedly discussing the issue with the company's representatives. "As a mother of four, I have been shaken by the disturbing images," the 43-year-old said.
Who is the ambassador of Balenciaga? ›
Kim Kardashian, the entrepreneur and reality star, has resumed her role as an ambassador for Balenciaga, as confirmed by her recent Instagram posts featuring a campaign lensed by Inez & Vinoodh.
Who is Kim Kardashian an ambassador for? ›
After less than two years of re-evaluating, on Monday, Jan. 19, Balenciaga named Kardashian their latest brand ambassador. “For several years now, Balenciaga's designs have been a part of my many looks – and some of my most iconic fashion moments,” Kardashian said in a statement.
Why do the Kardashians wear Balenciaga? ›
That's because the DNA of the Kardashian brand pairs well with Balenciaga's. They've both mastered the art of being a chameleon in the digital age, shifting between high glamour and memeability.
What is Kim's role in Balenciaga? ›
Kim's role as brand ambassador
For Kim, this role as Balenciaga's ambassador isn't just about fashion; it's about trust and a shared commitment to doing what's right.
When did Kim start wearing Balenciaga? ›
Kim Kardashian has long partnered with Balenciaga, sporting their signature bug-eyed sunglasses and wearing the infamous 2021 Met Gala outfit that covered her entire face and body. It wasn't until 2024 that Kardashian officially became an ambassador for the brand, solidifying her role as muse and partner with them.
Who owns Balenciaga? ›
Kering (French: [kɛːʁiŋ]) is a French-based multinational corporation specializing in luxury goods. It owns the brands Gucci, Balenciaga, Bottega Veneta, Yves Saint Laurent, Creed and Alexander McQueen.
What is the drama behind Balenciaga? ›
The backlash against the images was swift, with the hashtag #cancelBalenciaga trending across Twitter and TikTok and many accusing the brand and its creative director, Demna, of condoning pedophilia and child exploitation.
If you are attuned to the fashion world, you would have heard that Balenciaga has been canceled. This was a result of the problematic advertisem*nts they released in November 2022. These ads featured imagery related to child sexual abuse, showed BDSM motifs in ads featuring children and a whole lot more.
Did Kim Kardashian model for Balenciaga? ›
Kim Kardashian has been criticised for modelling in Balenciaga, nearly one year after the brand's campaign scandal. The reality star, 42, posed for Balenciaga's newest lookbook this week, with her outfit from the brand's summer 2024 collection.
Who is the female face of Balenciaga? ›
On January 22nd, 2024, Balenciaga announces Kim Kardashian as its brand ambassador.
Who was Balenciaga's lover? ›
It also shows the personal challenges that Balenciaga faced, namely the death in 1947 of Wladzio Jaworowski d'Attainville, the brand's head milliner and Balenciaga's lover.
Who is the face behind Balenciaga? ›
Demna (designer)
| Demna დემნა |
|---|
| Born | Demna Gvasalia 25 March 1981 Sokhumi, Georgian Soviet Socialist Republic, Soviet Union |
| Education | Tbilisi State University Royal Academy of Fine Arts |
| Occupation | Fashion designer |
| Labels | Balenciaga (2015－) Vetements (2014－2019) Louis Vuitton (2013－2015) |
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Who is the brand ambassador of Gucci? ›
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Is Kanye West a designer for Balenciaga? ›
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