Kim Kardashian Breaks Hiatus With Balenciaga After BDSM Controversy

After a brief hiatus, Kim Kardashian is back to working with Balenciaga as she debuted in their recent campaign. This signals her continued association with the brand despite the controversy surrounding a BDSM scandal that shocked the fashion industry last year. 

The SKIMS founder was among the models flaunting the controversial fashion brand's Summer 2024 collection. In a post to their official page, the 42-year-old highlighted her iconic curves in a sleek black latex dress.

Embracing the edgy look, the mother-of-four paired the figure-hugging sleeveless outfit that featured an asymmetrical hemline with thigh-high black boots and a shimmering silver stiletto heel.

Her trademark dark-colored hair was styled in a center part wet look, while she opted for minimal nude-toned makeup to enhance her features. The post's caption contained the details:

"Summer 24 Collection, Look 61, Kim. 3D Molded Wet Dress, Sock-On-Heel Pantaleggings, Knife Pantashoe."

While some referred to the look as stunning and fabulous, others could not help but point out the reality TV star's return, like this user who wrote, "Kim is back ❤️." Another also mentioned that "Kim and Balenciaga is the craziest match, I love it 🖤❤️‍🔥🖤❤️‍🔥🖤❤️‍🔥." 

At the same time, a third noted that the actress "don't miss 🔥," while a fourth stated that she is "always a Goddess 🖤🖤🖤." One admirer also called her "Talented and Gorgeous 🔥🔥 🔥." 

This campaign is coming almost a year after "The Kardashians" star turned down offers from the brand. She also released a public statement regarding a "re-evaluation" of her affiliation with the fashion label. She clarified that she would not don the outfits planned initially for upcoming events.

Sources reported that Balenciaga had extended an offer to the TV personality for a 2023 campaign before the controversial BDSM ads were released. The "KUWTK" alum's decision to part ways with them came after one of their campaigns turned controversial after they featured minor children clad in BDSM-inspired outfits, holding teddy bear backpacks.

The images also drew attention for including legal documents related to child pornography cases, adding to the scandal. Balenciaga promptly removed the post and other related Instagram pictures in the face of widespread backlash.

Last November, the socialite, who shared a close connection with the fashion brand, took to Twitter to explain her reason for not immediately addressing the brand's contentious campaign. The "Kourtney and Kim Take Miami" alum started her statement by writing:

"I have been quiet for the past few days, not because I haven't been disgusted by the recent Balenciaga campaigns, but because I wanted an opportunity to speak to their team to understand for myself how this could have happened."

Kardashian, who had graced their Paris fashion show that July, emphasized, "As a mother of four, I have been shaken by the disturbing images. The safety of children must be held with the highest regard, and any attempts to normalize child abuse should have no place in our society – period."

She expressed gratitude for Balenciaga's "removal of the campaign" and their apology. The "PAW Patrol: The Movie" voice actress also believed that her conversation with them shed light on the "seriousness of the issue and will take the necessary measures for this to never happen again."

In conclusion, the "Disaster Movie" star stated that she was reflecting on her association with Balenciaga. She hinged her decision on "their willingness to accept accountability for something that should have never happened to begin with — & the actions I am expecting to see them take to protect children." 

Unfortunately, rather than appease the outraged public, Kardashian's statement only helped them conclude that the controversy would not deter her from wearing or using items from Balenciaga. 

On X, users swiftly responded, like this critic who urged, "Why do you still need to talk to them? You need to dissociate with them immediately & use your money to research in depth wtf is going on. There is so much more than just a campaign."

This person expressed frustration, stating, "You say all this but refuse to cut ties with them [clown emojis]. f*ck you and pedo a** balenciagia [clown emoji]." At the same time, another observed, "Instead of cutting ties she's "re-evaluating. Basically, she's waiting till people calm down so she can go back to advertise for them."