Kendall Jenner’s Bold Jacquemus Rope Campaign and Classic Manolo Blahnik Pump Moment

Kendall Jenner has long mastered the art of making headlines. From her early days as a reality TV star to her rise as an international supermodel, she’s become a fixture on the runways of Paris and New York, never shying away from a bold statement.

Her provocative Jacquemus La Montagne campaign, released in August 2021 for the brand’s Fall/Winter 2021-2022 collection, was proof of that. The semi-nude imagery of Jenner suspended by a rope with nothing but a bright pink bag and heels became one of the most talked-about fashion moments of the year, cementing her role as both muse and disruptor.

Yet it’s striking to look back at how far she’s come since her earliest red-carpet appearances. At the 2013 American Music Awards, a then-teenage Kendall exuded polished sophistication in a sleek white cutout dress from Keepsake, a bold Dylanlex statement necklace, and nude Manolo Blahnik pumps that instantly established her taste for leg-elongating classics. The contrast underscores just how much her style has evolved—from understated red-carpet chic to high-fashion risk-taker.

Kendall Jenner’s Bold Jacquemus La Montagne Campaign

Kendall Jenner once again turned heads with Jacquemus’s daring La Montagne campaign.

The supermodel posed nude against a playful backdrop, her body artfully draped over a green rope while she wore only sheer stockings, a pastel-pink Jacquemus bag, and matching mules.

The imagery walked the line between sensual and sculptural, perfectly channeling the brand’s signature fusion of minimalism and provocation.

Kendall Jenner strikes a daring pose on a green rope, highlighting Jacquemus’ bold pink Le sac Ciuciu bag with chain detailing and matching heels (Credit: Drew Vickers for Jacquemus)

The imagery mirrored that of a pole dancer, with a distinct feeling that was similar to Miley Cyrus’ equally hyped Wrecking Ball music video, when she shed her ‘Disney star’ image.

The Styling Details Behind Jenner’s Jacquemus Campaign

The photo was part of Jacquemus’s campaign promoting its La Montagne collection. The bubblegum-pink Le Sac Ciuciu took center stage, strategically covering Jenner while proving that a shoulder bag can be as much of a statement piece as it is a practical accessory.

She paired it with knee-high neon-pink socks and Jacquemus’s sculptural Les Mules Carrés Ronds, creating a playful contrast that embodied the brand’s art-meets-fashion aesthetic.

Wearing a structured black puffer jacket, Kendall Jenner embodies Jacquemus’ sleek winter aesthetic with sharp, minimalist styling (Credit: Drew Vickers for Jacquemus / MEGA / WENN)

Jenner’s makeup was kept soft and glowy, featuring a dewy base and sharply defined brows for a subtle, polished finish.

Her brunette locks were styled sleek and straight, lending a laid-back elegance, while oversized gold hoops peeked out from beneath her hair — a bold accessory choice that, at the time, had yet to appear on the Jacquemus website.

There was no denying that the campaign achieved its goal — everyone was talking about the Le Sac Ciuciu bag.

While nudity was typically reserved for high-fashion editorials rather than advertising campaigns, Jacquemus’s understated styling elevated the imagery into the realm of artful luxury.

Why Jacquemus Embraced a ‘Sex Sells’ Strategy

Jacquemus appeared to fully embrace the old adage that sex sells with this collection. The brand also spotlighted its La Maille Neve knitwear top, nicknamed “the pin top,” through a provocative close-up that left little to the imagination.

The only thing holding the look together was a tiny gold Jacquemus logo — an audacious detail that perfectly captured the brand’s playful provocation and confident sensuality.

Jenner showcases Jacquemus’ playful color-blocking in a red knit crop top paired with high-waisted pink trousers (Credit: Drew Vickers for Jacquemus / MEGA / WENN)

But was it a hit online? It certainly caused a stir. The campaign photos debuted on Instagram seven weeks after the collaboration was first teased, sparking immediate conversation across the fashion world.

After such a long buildup, reactions were mixed — some applauded the bold imagery, while others took to social media to express disappointment.

For some critics, Jacquemus’s aesthetic had started to feel overly familiar, and even photographer Drew Vickers became a target of online scrutiny.

Reclining against a vivid red backdrop, Kendall Jenner wears tonal Jacquemus pieces and lace-up shoes for a striking monochrome effect (Credit: Drew Vickers for Jacquemus / MEGA / WENN)

Mixed Fan Reactions and Online Criticism

Some fans on Twitter pointed out Jenner’s lack of enthusiasm in the photos, with one quipping, “Go on, girl, give us nothing.” While Kendall remained one of the most in-demand supermodels in the world, the campaign drew a lukewarm response — and Jenner’s restrained energy was often cited as the reason.

One user even questioned how she could serve as Jacquemus’s muse when her presence felt “so uninspiring.” Known for her pared-back approach to modeling, Jenner’s subdued expression sparked debate over whether her signature minimalism had crossed the line from effortless to emotionless.

Relaxing in a hammock, Jenner pairs a textured beige knit with sporty green hiking boots from Jacquemus’ La Montagne collection (Credit: Drew Vickers for Jacquemus / MEGA / WENN)

Could Bland Styling Be the Point?

While it was easy to dismiss the campaign as bland or unoriginal, its simplicity may have been entirely intentional. In the digital age, where online buzz often matters more than universal approval, Jacquemus seemed to understand that provocation drives conversation.

After all, how often do ads go viral simply for being beautiful? Not very often. By appealing to its social media-savvy audience of fashion-forward minimalists and streetwear enthusiasts, the brand may have intentionally crafted the controversy — a subtle yet clever move in the era of viral marketing.

The Rise of Jacquemus in Celebrity Fashion

Whether the campaign had been deliberately designed to go viral or not, one thing was sure: Jacquemus remained one of the defining brands of its time.

While Bottega Veneta remained its closest rival in the minimalist luxury space, Jacquemus carved out its own niche with a playful, youthful twist that resonated deeply with celebrities and influencers alike.

It became a wardrobe staple for the fashion set — including Bella Hadid, who was often spotted in the label’s signature cropped knitwear and sculptural accessories.

A close-up highlights the hot pink Le sac Ciuciu bag with its chunky gold chain strap, underscoring Jacquemus’ signature playful luxury (Credit: Drew Vickers for Jacquemus / MEGA / WENN)

The brand had its Le Chiquito bag to thank for its meteoric rise on the mainstream fashion scene, quickly becoming the most recognizable ‘mini’ bag of its era. The smallest version resembled a keychain more than a practical accessory — and that was precisely the point.

For several seasons, the Le Chiquito remained the centerpiece of Jacquemus’ collections, proving that sometimes, less really is more. There was no denying that Jacquemus stood as one of the most influential contemporary brands of the 2020s. From reigniting the mini-handbag craze to redefining knitwear for a new generation, the label cemented its image as a leader in playful yet sophisticated design.

And while Kendall Jenner’s provocative La Montagne campaign may not have been a unanimous hit, it perfectly encapsulated the brand’s enduring magnetism — bold, conversation-starting, and impossible to ignore.

The Jacquemus campaign highlights Jenner’s status as a top supermodel, frequently utilizing nudity and provocative styling to convey high-fashion concepts. However, to truly appreciate her impact on footwear trends, it’s worth taking a look back at the moments that established her as a style icon—before the runways and international campaigns.

Her classic red-carpet choices, often centered on timeless heels, demonstrate a versatility that few celebrities can match.

Kendall Jenner’s 2013 American Music Awards Look in Manolo Blahnik Pumps

At the 2013 American Music Awards, Kendall Jenner made quite an entrance in a daring white cutout mini dress from Keepsake, striking the perfect balance of sexy and sophisticated with a Dylanlex statement necklace and nude Manolo Blahnik pumps.

Kendall and Kylie Jenner at the 2013 American Music Awards, years after their cheerleading days at Sierra Canyon High School, showcasing early signs of their evolving red-carpet style

She was joined on the red carpet by her younger sister, Kylie, who opted for an edgier ensemble — a crisp Maiyet button-down Dickie styled with luxe Giambattista Valli velvet jogging pants, Barbara Bui nappa-and-mesh low boots, and a timeless finishing touch in the form of a Chanel quilted clutch.

Kylie Jenner opted for an edgier monochrome look at the 2013 American Music Awards, wearing a white Maiyet button-down dickie with black Giambattista Valli velvet jogging pants, Barbara Bui mesh ankle boots, and a quilted Chanel clutch — a glimpse of the bold fashion confidence that would define her later style

Kylie Jenner debuted her new hairstyle, opting for a rocker-chic look, while Kendall looked ravishing in a simple yet stylish ensemble that showcased her legs and impressive fashion sense.

Kendall Jenner wore a strapless and cutout white dress from Keepsake at the 2013 American Music Awards held at the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live in Los Angeles, California, on November 24, 2013 (Credit: FayesVision / WENN)

Kendall turned heads in a white Keepsake dress, a gorgeous statement necklace, and a pair of nude Manolo Blahnik pumps.

Kendall Jenner stunned at the 2013 American Music Awards in a strapless white Keepsake mini dress paired with nude Manolo Blahnik Tayler pumps that elongated her legs

The stunning reality star wore a strapless, cut-out white dress from Keepsake, featuring a short, asymmetrical hemline that showcased her long, slender legs.

Kendall Jenner wearing a Dylanex Falkor antiqued crystal Swarovski necklace made with signature coins and detailed Indian filigree

Her hair was neatly tucked behind her ears and flowed loosely down her back.

Statement Accessories That Elevated the Look

She carried a clutch from Jimmy Choo and wore a beautiful Falkor necklace with rhinestone details from Dylanlex. Bright red lips and nude pumps from Manolo Blahnik completed Kendall’s look.

Kendall Jenner showed off her feet in classic nude Manolo Blahnik Tayler pumps with sleek patent leather and pointed toes at the 2013 American Music Awards

Why Nude Manolo Blahnik Pumps Were the Perfect Choice

Kendall was seen wearing the “Tayler” pumps from Manolo Blahnik. She also showed off her feet in another pair of Manolos before her much-discussed date with One Direction’s Harry Styles.

They remained coy about the status of their relationship, but Kendall was reportedly seen getting excited upon seeing Harry on the red carpet.

The “Tayler” pumps feature nude patent leather, pointed toes, and covered stiletto heels. Take a cue from Kendall, and wear this classic nude pair of shoes to elongate your legs and to add sophistication to any outfit.

Manolo Blahnik Tayler Patent Pointed d’Orsay Pumps in Nude, $695