Kim Kardashian Dripping in Pearls at Met Gala in Schiaparelli Dress

Arriving at Monday's Met Gala, Kim Kardashian caused a stir with her stunning custom Schiaparelli Haute Couture outfit by Daniel Roseberry. The design, which included a molded corset in blush satin, a draped skirt, and top made from over 50,000 freshwater pearls and 16,000 crystals, took a team of 12 artisans over 1,000 hours to create. Kardashian completed the look with a choker, pearl drop earrings, ruffled sleeves, and ivory heels. Speaking with Vogue's Derek Blasberg, Kardashian explained that she simply wanted to feel glamorous and have a good time, without feeling the pressure to deliver something major like in previous years. She even joked about taking a shot with her sisters before hitting the red carpet.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute hosts the annual fundraiser known as the Met Gala, which coincides with the unveiling of the museum's fashion exhibition. This year's exhibition, "Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty," is dedicated to honoring the life and illustrious career of the late designer, who passed away on February 19, 2019. The exhibition showcases over 150 pieces, including sketches, and pays tribute to Lagerfeld's legacy.

The Met Gala's dress code was simply stated as "In honor of Karl," which was enough inspiration for Kim Kardashian to come up with her look for the evening. She had pearls in mind, as they are a signature element of Karl Lagerfeld's iconic Chanel designs. Kardashian wanted to be "dripping in pearls," and she certainly achieved that. However, she revealed that some of the real pearls were falling off her ensemble as she made her way from the Ritz hotel to the car and then to the carpet. Her daughter, North West, who accompanied her, collected the fallen pearls and put them in her purse. Vogue's Derek Blasberg joked that he would follow her around all night to pick up the pearls as well.

Derek Blasberg, known for his love of puns, couldn't resist joking that Kim Kardashian was "the most pearl-fect guest" at this year's Met Gala. He also asked her about her experience meeting Karl Lagerfeld's beloved cat, Choupette. Kardashian shared that she had spent some time with the feline before the event and admitted that it was a bit intimidating at first. However, she eventually warmed up to Choupette, and they even had a "love fest."

During the event, Kim Kardashian also took a moment to speak with her best friend La La Anthony, who was working the live stream for Vogue. She shared that being at the Met Gala was "super emotional" for her and her family due to their personal history with Karl Lagerfeld. Kardashian reminisced about her first-ever fashion shoot, which Lagerfeld had photographed, and how Lagerfeld had cast her sister Kendall Jenner in his runway shows when she began her modeling career. She expressed that it was a very special night for her.

Kim Kardashian has become known for her show-stopping looks at the Met Gala over the years. In 2020, she wore the beaded Jean Louis illusion gown that Marilyn Monroe famously wore when she sang "Happy Birthday" to President John F. Kennedy in 1962. The gown was on loan from Ripley's Believe it or Not, causing quite a stir. In 2021, she opted for a black Balenciaga look that covered her entire body. Other notable looks include a custom Thierry Mugler dress in 2019, marking the designer's first new creation in two decades; a chainmail Versace in 2018; an off-the-shoulder Vivienne Westwood Couture dress in 2017; a sheer Roberto Cavalli gown with a feather train in 2015; and a custom Givenchy by Riccardo Tisci gown while she was pregnant in 2013.