"You can still see the Kanye in her": Netizens react to Kim Kardashian’s face-covered look for Academy Museum Gala 2025

Kim Kardashian sparked conversation when she stepped out for the fifth annual Academy Museum Gala on October 18, 2025, in Los Angeles, wearing a look that drew attention. Kardashian wore a nude-colored Maison Margiela dress and a mask made out of the same fabric to cover her face and head. Later, she remarked on the whole hair and makeup process under the mask and that the outfit came together at the last possible moment.

In the beginning, the appearance drew attention not only for its exceptional boldness but also for the online reaction that followed. Many fans and fashion observers hopped on social media to share their strong views - some enjoyed it and welcomed the approach, while some were a bit unsettled and questioned whether the look worked.

Fan reactions to Kim Kardashian's look

Social media lit up shortly after Kim Kardashian's red-carpet appearance. Many users were critical, saying they found the look to be quite funny. Some said the mask looked like a paper bag or that the look was attention-seeking.

An user @YeahBell_ commented,

"You can still see the Kanye in her"

Another user @kimBOVILLE commented,

"If it was someone without money or fame they would be called Mad"

The user @superania31 commented,

"Turn heads? More like eyerolls"

An user @bussy_lola commented,

"How did she breathe in that?"

The user @luisamx commented,

"She needs a reminder that Halloween isn't until a little less than two weeks from now."

Why Kim Kardashian chose this look and the fashion context

There are numerous justifications for Kim Kardashian's choice of attire, as well as an explanation for the associated reactions. To begin with, the outfit is part of Maison Margiela's Fall 2025 Couture collection, designed by Glenn Martens, look 38 to be specific, and the piece was made up of a nude gown, head-covering mask, and large jewelry. Kardashian shared that the look "felt very SKIMS-y," which suggests she was styling it with her SKIMS brand in mind, which she also said attracted her to the look in the first place.

Additionally, this wasn’t her first time wearing clothing of this category. In 2021, at the Met Gala, she wore an all-black outfit by Balenciaga that had a full mask covering her face and body. Thus, experts point out, the 2025 look recalls that outfit and suggests she is still interested in playing with identity and invisibility.

Third, behind the mask, she did have her usual glam team. She flew in her favorite makeup artist and skincare expert, Mario Dedivanovic, from New York, and was fully made up under the mask.

Kim Kardashian’s face-covered outfit at the Academy Museum Gala 2025 was a major fashion moment that generated very major reactions. Social media users agree you can love it or hate it, but it’s singularly clear we all saw it.

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