Kim Kardashian Carries Balenciaga's Confusing Shoe Clutch
The piece looks like a stiletto—but it's actually a bag.
If you were wondering about the current state of Kim Kardashian's relationship with Balenciaga, look no further than her purse. Yesterday, the Skims founder posted a series of glamour shots on Instagram, showing off her all-black Prada look and her Balenciaga shoe clutch.
The Balenciaga "Shoe Knife" leather clutch bag is exactly what it sounds like: a clutch shaped like a stiletto high heel, with a zipper where the foot should go. In the photos, Kardashian holds her bejeweled shoe purse in the same hand as her phone (because the device apparently can't fit inside).
A post shared by Kim Kardashian
A photo posted by kimkardashian on
For the photoshoot, Kardashian wore a long black fur coat, a matching maxi skirt, and a bra-adjacent top that reads as a half-corset, fastened at the front with a plastic buckle. The outfit is classic Kim: black on black, mixed textures, slightly edgy but still safe. And, the star loves a long fur coat. She likely worked with her new stylist, Dani Levi, on the look.
This isn't the first we've seen of Kardashian's crystallized stiletto clutch. Last December, she carried her shoe bag while sitting court-side at a Lakers game. The heel clutch, a newer addition to the Balenciaga It-Bag canon, comes from the brand's pre-fall 2024 collection. It debuted on the runway a few days before Kardashian was spotted carrying it the first time. The silhouette, modeled and named after the label's famous "knife" high heel, also comes in black.
Kardashian has long been associated with the luxury fashion house, and became a brand ambassador for the second time in January 2024. The reunion followed a brief period apart, while Kardashian was "re-evaluating" her ties to Balenciaga after its 2022 scandal. The brand was accused of "child abuse" and "pedophilia" over a Christmas ad campaign featuring young children holding teddy bear backpacks wrapped in "bondage gear."
"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 after announcing her partnership earlier this year. "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."
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
Julia Gray is a contributing fashion writer at Marie Claire, where she covers runway trends, celebrity style, and shopping. In her six years as a journalist, Julia’s reporting has ranged across style, music, Internet culture, art, retail, tech, and more. In addition to Marie Claire, Julia writes for outlets like the Washington Post, the Wall Street Journal, the Ringer, New York Magazine, Pitchfork, Nylon, and Vice, among others. Julia's fashion reporting is led by curiosity. Julia is not only interested in critiquing and covering pop culture, but in understanding what our pop culture says about how we live and modern values. When she’s not writing, Julia hosts a podcast called Girls Room, where she and her co-host revisit shows like Girls and Gossip Girl from the beginning with guests like comedian Cat Cohen and writer Hunter Harris. Girls Room was recently cited in the New York Times.
-
Here's Where Textured Hair Education in America Stands in 2025
Meet the leaders behind the movement for more equitable hair care.
By Kayla Greaves Published
-
We Can't Promise You Won't Get Nightmares After Watching These 32 Great But Terrifying Paranormal Movies
Bring on the jump scares.
By Katherine J. Igoe Published
-
Rihanna Lets Her Curls Out to Play In a New Fenty Beauty Campaign.
Fenty Beauty is releasing a new product and Rihanna showed off her natural hair to help promote it. See the look here.
By Ariel Baker Published
-
Mikey Madison's Accessory Game Is Unmatched, in Feathered Heels and a $22,800 Diamond Ring on 'Jimmy Fallon'
The breakout star paired feathered pumps and a $22,800 diamond ring.
By Kelsey Stiegman Published
-
Anne Hathaway Goes Full Audrey Hepburn in a Golden Midi Dress, $475 Christian Louboutin Pumps, and Bulgari Jewels
Ariana Grande isn't the only one making this reference.
By Kelsey Stiegman Published
-
The Adidas Sambas Sneaker Is Still Every A-Lister’s Favorite Shoe
It's such a timeless option.
By Julia Marzovilla Published
-
Hailey Bieber Tackles the Barn Jacket-Trench Coat Hybrid Trend for Dinner With Kendall Jenner
She combined winter's two biggest outerwear trends.
By Kelsey Stiegman Published
-
Ariana Grande Pairs a Backless Dress and Loewe's $7,400 Beaded Squeeze Bag for Date Night With Ethan Slater
Her version is coated in beads.
By Kelsey Stiegman Published
-
Hailey Bieber Brings Her Favorite Mom-Friendly Bag Trend Into the New Year, Styling a Duster Coat With a Massive Clutch
Designer bags 🤝 diaper bags
By Kelsey Stiegman Published
-
Selena Gomez Kicks Off Her Bridal Fashion Era With a $6,500 Wedding-Inspired Dress and "Love Affair" Pumps
She's all-in on the little white dress.
By Kelsey Stiegman Published
-
Kendall Jenner Nails Millionaire Dressing With a Surprisingly Casual, $7,180 Outfit From The Row
Every piece is from The Row, of course.
By Kelsey Stiegman Published