Update (October 10, 2021): Well, Balenciaga certainly wasn’t just for hype and rehearsals as Kim stepped up to the plate in yet another Denma ensemble. As KK riffed on everyone and everything from Kris’ boyfriend Corey Gamble to Kanye’s failed presidential run, and the controversy surrounding her father’s infamous OJ Simpson case, she sported an embellished pink turtleneck bodysuit. If the self-referential jokes and light jabs at rumors surrounding herself and her family weren’t enough, the ‘fit made plenty a statement of its own.
who ever wrote kim kardashians monologue on #snl was so out of pocket pic.twitter.com/7unGoIRdCm
— soli (@itsnot_soli) October 10, 2021
Original Story: Demna Gvasalia, master of what we call “MerchTainment,” has cleverly hijacked the hype surrounding Kim Kardashian‘s Saturday Night Live gig.
In the lead-up to tonight’s episode, the influencer — who will host the sketch comedy show for the very first time — stepped out for rehearsals and cast dinners clad head-to-toe in Gvasalia’s instantly recognizable Balenciaga wares.
On Wednesday, Kardashian channeled a Christmas tree in a Balenciaga coat made of what looks like silver tinsel. Paired with the label’s Knife boots, the ensemble was unmissable — and a bit baffling, considering the temperate weather.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CUsXCTcJzEf/
The next day, she was photographed leaving the Ritz Carlton in a hot pink Balenciaga suit jacket and a glittery version of Gvasalia’s Hourglass handbag. And on Friday night, the star bundled up in a sleeping bag-like Balenciaga coat, layered over a YEEZY x GAP hoodie (which, so far, has garnered mixed reviews — sorry, Kanye).
https://www.instagram.com/p/CUyiH-sA-dY/
Kim continued to transform the entrance of the Ritz into a Balenciaga runway on Saturday morning, when she exited in a pastel pink parka paired with silver stilettos and a matching metallic bag — all courtesy of Gvasalia. (Kanye was photographed walking out behind her, leading us all to wonder: will Ye make a cameo appearance, hopefully free of pro-Trump rants?!)
Though Kardashian’s opening monologue outfit is still under wraps, it would only make sense for her to take the stage in a full Balenciaga look.
In a teaser video featuring musical guest Halsey and cast member Cecily Strong, our host wore a crushed velvet Balenciaga turtleneck, likely hinting at what’s to come.
https://youtu.be/v_Sgt0fP6eM
Gvasalia has played a defining role in several of Kardashian’s recent headline-making moments. In August, the Georgian designer dressed her for Ye’s DONDA listening events in Atlanta and Chicago. And for the Met Gala last month, he outfitted the reality star in a Dementor-like look that’s already been transformed into a mass-market Halloween costume.
Clearly, Gvasalia’s work holds its own next to Kardashian’s star power. I’d go so far as to say that Gvasalia steals the show — and I eagerly await tonight’s episode.