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.
-
Beyoncé Battles Her Gatekeepers on the 'Cowboy Carter' TourAnd proves the best use of her power is looking beyond them.
-
'Tastefully Yours' Is a Foodie Rom-Com and Its Main Ingredient Is an A-List Cast of K-Drama StarsHere's what to know about actors from 'Squid Game,' 'Sweet Home,' and 'Weak Hero Class 2' who lead the ensemble.
-
My New Favorite Sunscreen Oil Is 20 Percent Off—And Limited-EditionGrab this Supergoop! steal while you can.
-
Halle Berry's Original Cannes Opening Ceremony Gown Is Thwarted by the Film Festival's New Dress CodeThe first-time jury member "didn't want to break the rules."
-
The 2025 Cannes Film Festival's Best-Dressed Stars Ask, "What Dress Code?"Dress code restrictions aren't getting them down.
-
Kendall and Kylie Jenner Go Full Sister Mode at the Knicks Game in Matching Leather Pants and The Row SandalsThere are some things you never grow out of.
-
Bella Hadid's All-White Cannes Outfit Makes Me Want to Break Up With Patterns and PrintsI suddenly want to break up with patterns and prints.
-
The 2025 Cannes Film Festival Dress Code Trades Naked Dresses for "Decency"—and Debate"Nudity" is not allowed—but neither are flowing trains.
-
Taylor Swift Takes Travis Kelce on a Brunch Date in a "Nicks" Dress and Chanel's Latest It-BagShe hit a Philadelphia restaurant with Travis Kelce and a sweet floral number.
-
Daisy Edgar-Jones’s Jumbo $3,500 Gucci Tote Reignites the Big Bag DebateFile this look under: reasons to keep your mini bag at home.
-
Gigi Hadid’s Post-Met Gala Recovery Outfit Includes $485 Sweatpants and Comfy Ballet FlatsThe model swapped her Miu Miu gown for comfort instead.
