Kylie Jenner loves a self-referential look. Earlier this month, the beauty mogul sent us hurtling back in time after reprising her King Kylie-era teal hair and vampy "Lincoln Park After Dark" manicure in a selfie shared to Instagram. But the mother of two has completely outdone herself with her latest serve at Paris Fashion Week.
On Friday, Sept. 27, the bombshell poured herself into a custom Balmain strapless gown covered in a giant print of her own face running down one side. Crafted from what must be thousands of beads, the hip-hugging bustier dress showcases a closeup of Jenner wearing red lipstick with her brown eyes cast to the side and her cheekbones prominent against a black backdrop.
Kylie Jenner references herself with a custom Balmain dress.
Strangely, Jenner did not attend the Balmain show during Paris Fashion Week. (She did, however, show up to Schiaparelli in oversize bangle bracelets.) But she did tag creative director Olivier Rousteing in a couple snaps of the stunning gown on Instagram.
“Me by @olivier_rousteing @balmain,” Jenner captioned one of the photos on her Instagram Story.
What I find particularly impressive about Rousteing's creation is the clever placement of the image, which wraps around the bodice to emphasize Jenner's curves. Rousteing, of course, has been a friend of the Kar-Jenner family for years. He even collaborated with Jenner on a Kylie Cosmetics x Balmain capsule collection in 2019.
A closer look at Kylie's beaded Balmain gown.
It's especially odd that Jenner missed the Balmain Spring 2025 show given that her likeness also graced several pieces from the French fashion house's latest collection. One model hit the catwalk in a long-sleeved maxi dress version of Jenner's strapless custom gown. Two more stomped down the runway in a jacket and a sculpted mini dress featuring her lips and red-manicured fingertips.
“My enduring fascination with intricate embellishments is reflected in complex pearl patterns, pictures and portraits, with some of the impressive photo-realistic creations requiring hundreds of thousands of beads and weeks of expert embroidery," Rousteing wrote of the collection in a press release.
Kylie's dress on the Spring 2025 Balmain runway.
Jenner's dress came from a collection full of creations emphasizing the female form.
Of course, nothing could have stopped Jenner from seeing her supermodel sister, Kendall Jenner, stomp the runway at Schiaparelli's Spring 2025 show the previous day. The 27-year-old poured herself into a waist-cinching gown featuring an oversize keyhole cut-out for the occasion, then accessorized the look with a pair of ridiculously hefty '80s-inspired cuff bracelets—no self-references to be seen.
-
Every New-Season Essential You Need Is on Sale Right NowSweaters, denim, jackets, boots, and more to fill in your wardrobe gaps.
-
'Gyeongseong Creature' Season 2 Ends on a Shocking Death and a Star-Crossed RomanceWe explain the thrilling season 2 finale with the help of the k-drama's director, and stars Park Seo-jun and Han So-hee.
-
This Hair Trend Gives Cuffing Season a New MeaningThis fall, we’re hooking up ponytails with an elevated accessory.
-
Gigi Hadid Wraps Herself in a DHL Tape Mini Dress for Vetements's Paris Fashion Week RunwayShe's packed up like an order from The RealReal.
-
The Windbreaker Trend's Spring 2025 Comeback Will Blow You AwayDesigners want to blow you away.
-
Amal Clooney Shuts Down the Albies Red Carpet in a Plunging Versace GownShe shut down her latest red carpet in a stunning black gown.
-
Kendall Jenner's Paris Navy Suit Dress and Gucci Equestrian Bag Are My Ideal Fall Work OutfitIn fact, she uncovered my entire ideal fall work outfit.
-
Kylie Jenner's Bombshell Schiaparelli Bangles Are Paris Fashion Week's Heaviest-Hitting AccessoriesThe beauty mogul was channeling the excesses of the '80s.
-
Hailey Bieber Takes Her Leopard-on-Leopard Outfit to Church With Cherry Red Adidas SneakersThe Rhode Beauty founder doubled up for a night at church.
-
With the Goop x CB2 Collaboration, Gwyneth Paltrow Is Your Interior DesignerHer lifestyle brand is ready to take over your living room.
-
The Bare Truth About Naked DressingThe trend isn't necessarily just for A-listers. But it may not be for all of us, either.
