Why Kim Kardashian Wore Clear Pleaser Platforms With Marilyn Monroe’s Legendary Dress at the 2022 Met Gala

Following her bold burqa-inspired Met Gala 2021 outfit that launched a thousand memes, Kim Kardashian returned to the Met Gala steps in a strikingly different mood—embracing a timeless, almost reverential take on classic Hollywood glamour.

To understand the history, debate, and fashion impact of Kim’s Met Gala look, explore the sections below.

Kim Kardashian stuns in Marilyn Monroe’s iconic crystal-embellished nude gown, paired with a white fur stole and Pleaser Adore 701 platform stiletto sandals, at the 2022 Met Gala (Credit: PA Images / INSTARimages)

Why Kim Kardashian Chose Clear Pleaser Platforms With Marilyn Monroe’s Iconic Gown

Kim Kardashian paired Marilyn Monroe’s legendary 1962 gown with Pleaser Adore 701 platform stiletto sandals—clear, sky-high heels chosen with unmistakable intention.

The towering platforms helped maximize height so the fragile vintage gown wouldn’t drag; the transparent design kept the focus on Monroe’s crystal-embellished “Happy Birthday, Mr. President” dress; and the barely-there finish preserved the gown’s iconic nude illusion, allowing the silhouette to remain uninterrupted from shoulder to hem.

Kim Kardashian stuns in Marilyn Monroe’s iconic crystal-covered gown while Pete Davidson complements her look in a sharp black suit and sunglasses at the 2022 Met Gala (Credit: ABACA / INSTARimages)

Two years later, the American media personality also wore custom 10-inch Pleaser platform shoes without traditional heels at the 2024 Met Gala.

More Standout Celebrity Moments From the 2022 Met Gala

The 2022 Met Gala delivered no shortage of jaw-dropping fashion moments as celebrities embraced the night’s “Gilded Glamour” theme with elaborate gowns and bold statements.

The iconic Happy Birthday, Mr. President dress was transported to Kim Kardashian’s home in Calabasas from the Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum in Orlando, Florida (Credit: John Nacion / Startraksphoto)

The Story Behind Marilyn Monroe’s Iconic “Happy Birthday” Gown

Kim Kardashian certainly turned heads at the 2022 Met Gala when she stepped onto the red carpet wearing one of the most storied dresses in Hollywood history: Marilyn Monroe’s crystal-studded “Happy Birthday, Mr. President” gown.

Marilyn, who stood around 5ft 5½ (166.4 cm) and reportedly wore a US shoe size 7, famously debuted the glittering Jean-Louis creation in 1962 while serenading President John F. Kennedy. Since 2016, the gown—sketched by a young Bob Mackie and now the most expensive dress ever sold at auction—has been displayed at Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum in Orlando.

Kim, by contrast, is just 5ft 2 (157.5 cm), a noticeable height difference that made her choice of towering, clear Pleaser platform heels strategically essential.

The sky-high stilettos helped her achieve a silhouette closer to Marilyn’s proportions while keeping the fragile, decades-old gown from dragging on the floor—one more reason the platforms became a quietly critical part of the look.

Marilyn Monroe, as “The Girl” in The Seven Year Itch (1955), immortalizes Hollywood glamour in her billowing white halter dress paired with classic peep-toe stiletto heels—one of cinema’s most unforgettable fashion moments (Credit: 20th Century-Fox)

Pete Davidson’s Support and Kim’s Met Gala Styling Breakdown

The SNL star wore a black Dior tuxedo suit with a white shirt and a slim black tie, finished with a pair of shiny dress shoes and matching sunglasses.

He was pictured assisting his girlfriend Kim, who channeled Marilyn Monroe’s whole look, complete with a white fur stole.

She finished the stunning ensemble with a pair of clear platform heels and diamond drop earrings from Cartier, curated by her stylist Dani Levi.

Kim also dyed her hair blonde, which took 14 hours. Hairstylist Chris Appleton styled her new platinum locks into a sleek bun, while makeup artist Mario Dedivanovic gave her winged eyeliner, false eyelashes, and nude lip color.

Kim Kardashian and Pete Davidson make their Met Gala debut as a couple on May 2, 2022 (Credit: John Nacion / Startraksphoto)

Fashion Experts Criticize Kim Kardashian’s Met Gala Look

The gown, preserved for decades as a true piece of fashion history, sparked immediate concern among Marilyn Monroe experts when it appeared on the Met Gala red carpet.

Acknowledging its fragile condition, Kim Kardashian wore the original dress only briefly. After ascending the Met’s Grand Staircase with Pete Davidson, she changed into a replica supplied by Ripley’s to avoid further strain on the garment.

“I’m extremely respectful to the dress and what it means to American history,” Kim told Vogue, noting that she avoided body makeup and rehearsed the staircase walk in advance. “Everything had to be specifically timed.”

Pete Davidson steadies Kim Kardashian as she takes careful, tiny steps up the Met’s Grand Staircase in Marilyn Monroe’s gown and towering clear platform heels (Credit: ABACA / INSTARimages)

Kim lost weight to achieve the gown’s famously precise fit and wore the original dress only briefly on the red carpet before changing into a replica to protect the fragile fabric.

Adding fuel to the criticism was the timing: the gown resurfaced in 2022, the 60th anniversary year of Monroe’s death, a detail that made the moment feel even more sensitive for many longtime fans.

Kim Kardashian wore Marilyn Monroe’s original dress for a few minutes and later changed into a replica (Credit: PA IMAGES / INSTARimages)

It took 14 hours for Kim Kardashian to achieve her Marilyn Monroe-inspired platinum blonde hair (Credit: ABACA / INSTARimages)

Kim Kardashian had to lose 16 pounds in three weeks to fit into Marilyn Monroe’s famous gown in time for the Met Gala 2022 (Credit: ABACA / INSTARimages)

Marilyn Monroe Biographer Slams Kim’s Risky Red Carpet Choice

Michelle Morgan, author and Marilyn Monroe biographer, told the New York Post she was “extremely disappointed” to see the decades-old gown worn again. She noted that since Ripley’s acquired the dress for $5 million, it has been carefully preserved in temperature-controlled conditions to prevent deterioration.

Morgan emphasized that a red carpet presents clear risks—from sweat to perfume to makeup—all of which could cause lasting damage to a garment considered a singular piece of Hollywood history.

12305 Fifth Helena Dr. in Brentwood, Los Angeles, California, is famous as the final residence of Marilyn Monroe and the location of her death in 1962 (Credit: WENN)

Preservation Concerns: Could Marilyn Monroe’s Dress Have Been Damaged?

Fashion historian Keren Ben-Horin echoed those concerns, telling the Daily Beast that the gown’s fragile construction made it vulnerable to tearing or staining—particularly as Kim took the large, careful steps required to climb the Met’s Grand Staircase.

Ben-Horin noted that conservators typically avoid moving or restoring garments of this age unless absolutely necessary, as even sweat or makeup can alter the integrity of the fabric. Given those risks, she argued, the dress should never have left the museum environment.

Becoming the most expensive dress sold at auction when it was purchased for over $5 million in 2016, Marilyn Monroe’s famous dress is exhibited at Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum in Orlando, Florida (Credit: JHVEPhoto / Shutterstock)

Ripley’s Defends Kim Kardashian: Why They Allowed the Dress to Be Worn

Ripley’s, which oversees the gown, defended its decision. A spokesperson said Kim Kardashian showed “utmost respect” for the piece and confirmed that the dress remained unharmed after its brief appearance on the red carpet.

To minimize risk, Kim followed strict guidelines—including avoiding body makeup and limiting the time she spent in the original gown. Ripley’s also noted that she conducted extensive research on the dress beforehand to ensure it was handled with care.

Kim Kardashian, glowing in Marilyn Monroe’s crystal-embellished gown, shares a red carpet moment with then-boyfriend Pete Davidson at the 2022 Met Gala (Credit: PA IMAGES / INSTARimages)

Fans React: Should Anyone Else Have Worn Monroe’s Legendary Dress?

Nina Boski, producer of Marilyn: Behind the Icon, argued that the moment did not serve as a positive tribute.

While she acknowledged Kim Kardashian’s publicity motivations, Boski maintained that the gown should have remained exclusive to Marilyn Monroe, the only person she believes was meant to wear it.

Kim Kardashian, in the iconic Marilyn Monroe dress, carefully ascends the 2022 Met Gala steps in clear Pleaser Adore 701 platform heels as Pete Davidson offers a steadying hand (Credit: ABACA / INSTARimages)

Marilyn Monroe historian and collector Scott Fortner also objected to the decision, calling the gown “sacred” within the Monroe community.

He noted that while Kim’s appearance certainly drew attention, many fans felt protective of a dress Monroe wore only once and regarded as one of the most significant artifacts tied to her legacy.

Kim Kardashian and Pete Davidson hold hands while arriving back at their Ritz-Carlton Hotel after attending the Met Gala in New York City (Credit: MEGA / WENN)

How Kim Kardashian Honored Marilyn Monroe at the Met Gala

Kim Kardashian is an incredibly influential figure, so her wearing the gown has, in some way, reintroduced Marilyn Monroe to younger generations, keeping her iconic looks alive and continuing her legacy at the Met Gala.

However, many believe the gown should have remained exclusive to Monroe’s singular, history-making performance, where it was both unveiled and retired in one unforgettable moment.

Kim Kardashian reportedly couldn’t zip up her Marilyn Monroe dress and covered up with a fur shawl (Credit: MEGA / WENN)

Fortner emphasized during his comments that “this has nothing to do with Kim Kardashian” but rather with the importance and significance of the dress in what he calls “American cultural history.”

The Keeping Up With the Kardashians star opted for the Monroe look because the gilded glamour theme inspired her to look for American beauty icons. Kardashian said that Marilyn Monroe was the “most American” thing she could think of.

Kim Kardashian borrows Marilyn Monroe’s Happy Birthday, Mr. President dress, which she wore to President John F. Kennedy’s 45th birthday party in 1962 (Credit: ABACA / INSTARimages)

The Met Gala look cemented Kim’s status as a fashion icon who isn’t afraid to push boundaries. This bold approach to style, particularly her use of strategic footwear, has been a hallmark of her career for over a decade.

From her historic choice at the Met Gala to her signature style at a fan meet-and-greet, Kim Kardashian’s strategic use of fashion, particularly her footwear, consistently makes headlines.

Her ability to use shoes to elevate her petite frame and create memorable looks has been a defining element of her career for years. Here are some of her most iconic shoe moments.

Kim Kardashian’s Most Iconic Shoe Moments Through the Years

Standing at 5’2″ (157.5 cm) and wearing a US shoe size 7, Kim Kardashian masterfully uses footwear to enhance her stature and make bold fashion statements. Here are some of her most memorable shoe moments:

Kim Kardashian and Kanye West dazzle in matching silver ensembles at the 2016 Met Gala, embodying the night’s “Manus x Machina” theme (Credit: Sky Cinema / Shutterstock)