Kim Kardashian Stuns in Nude Face-Covering Mask at Academy Museum Gala

Kim Kardashian, the SKIMS founder and reality mogul, turned heads in Los Angeles on Saturday, October 18, 2025, as she attended the fifth annual Academy Museum Gala in an audacious, full-coverage nude face mask. The 44-year-old star’s ensemble, straight from the Maison Margiela Fall 2025 Couture collection, combined a strapless corseted gown with draped sleeves and a matching nude mask that completely concealed her face and hair, pushing the boundaries of red-carpet fashion.

The statement-making look, accessorized with a layered crystal-embellished choker necklace featuring green jewels and cross pendants, ignited immediate social media buzz, with reactions ranging from admiration for her daring commitment to playful critiques likening it to a “brown paper bag.” Kardashian herself shared behind-the-scenes glimpses on Instagram, giving fans a glimpse of her prep process and playful commentary with her makeup artist, Mario Dedivanoic.

A Couture Statement with Personality

Kardashian’s ensemble was fully couture, demonstrating her enduring commitment to fashion experimentation. The gown’s structured bodice and dramatic draped sleeves, perfectly coordinated with the face mask, reflected the Maison Margiela aesthetic, a house renowned for its avant-garde, boundary-pushing designs. Adding a touch of sparkle, the layered crystal choker complemented the outfit’s dramatic effect while giving the overall look a subtle Gothic elegance.

Sharing glimpses of her outfit on Instagram Stories, Kardashian highlighted the runway inspiration for her ensemble, posting a side-by-side of herself in the gala attire alongside the Maison Margiela runway model. Later, she also posted a lighthearted video of herself in the final makeup touch-ups, asking, “Mario, do I look OK? The makeup?” to which her makeup artist jokingly replied, “Your makeup looks amazing, yes.”

“It’s good? All that hard work guys,” Kardashian said playfully. “I feel like I always do this to Mario, though.” Her humor and charm reminded fans that even a radical fashion statement can be paired with personality and approachability.

Fashion Reactions: Love It or Leave It

As always, Kardashian’s head-turning red carpet choices sparked divided opinions. Some praised her commitment to pushing fashion boundaries:

• “I liked that she committed to the full look,” one fan wrote.
• “See, this is actually interesting,” another added.
• “This is, of course, next-level fabulous 💛💛💛,” a third commented.

Other reactions were more skeptical:

• “Kim… I mean, she’s committed to the full look … but it wasn’t the best choice for her,” a user remarked.
• “It looks like a brown paper bag over her head,” joked another.

Regardless of opinion, Kardashian’s look sparked conversation, highlighting her continued influence in the world of bold, experimental fashion.

A Nod to Past Iconic Looks

The 2025 Academy Museum Gala outfit was reminiscent of Kardashian’s 2021 Met Gala look, where she also opted for full head-to-toe coverage. At that event, she wore a black mask from Balenciaga, which entirely concealed her face and hair. Over the years, she has consistently embraced head-turning couture that challenges conventional red-carpet norms, often pairing avant-garde ensembles with humor and self-awareness.

Earlier this year, Kardashian continued her fashion exploration with another Maison Margiela Fall 2025 Couture statement at the Diane von Furstenberg DVF Awards in Italy, wearing a gray jumpsuit with floor-length cape sleeves over a fitted bodysuit and wide-leg pants. These bold choices underscore her willingness to experiment with dramatic silhouettes and sculptural forms, reinforcing her status as a modern fashion risk-taker.

Hollywood Glam and Style Evolution

Kardashian’s recent appearances show a deliberate evolution in her red carpet choices. At the Los Angeles premiere of her new Ryan Murphy legal drama “All’s Fair,” she wore a Schiaparelli Couture structured halterneck gown with a dropped waist and ruffled skirt from the Spring 2025 collection, styling her hair in a sleek high bun paired with heavy pink blush and glossy nude lips.

This mix of daring, avant-garde couture and classic, glamorous styles reflects Kardashian’s dual approach: honoring high-fashion artistry while also embracing wearable elegance. Her ability to oscillate between bold statements and refined glamour continues to captivate fans, fashion critics, and fellow celebrities alike.

Beyond the Red Carpet

Kim Kardashian’s influence extends far beyond the red carpet. As the founder of SKIMS, she has revolutionized the shapewear and loungewear industry, combining inclusivity, comfort, and high-fashion sensibility. Her public persona, marked by savvy business acumen and bold fashion choices, has cemented her status as one of Hollywood’s most recognized and discussed figures.

The Academy Museum Gala appearance was another example of her understanding of the intersection between media, art, and fashion. By choosing a head-turning Maison Margiela couture ensemble, she not only generated headlines but also reinforced her identity as a trendsetter unafraid to challenge norms — even when reactions are mixed.

The Kardashian Effect

Kim’s latest red carpet appearance exemplifies her continuing impact on fashion culture. Whether loved or critiqued, her choices spark conversation, inspire fan creativity, and influence contemporary trends. From fully covered couture masks to elegant gowns, her bold approach shows a fearless embrace of individuality and artistic expression.

As the Academy Museum Gala highlighted, Kardashian remains unapologetically herself — combining humor, daring fashion, and star power in a way few others can replicate.

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