Kim Kardashian appeared noticeably different at the grand opening of her flagship Skims store in New York City on Thursday, sparking fan theories about the cause.
Social media users speculated that the 44-year-old reality star’s altered appearance was due to her makeup. “She did her lips in a new way,” one fan noted on X, referring to her use of overlined lips with brown liner and lighter lipstick, reminiscent of a ’90s trend. Another added, “Kimmy went wild on her lips—they’re massive, but it looks cool.”
Some attributed her look to her hairstyle, noting her bangs framed her face differently, while another fan theorized, “She was sweating from pushing that darn scooter around all night, so honey had a flushed look—she was dewy.”
Kardashian, who wore a sleek updo and camera-ready makeup, sported a low-cut top, tight slacks, and heels, accessorizing with a scooter for her injured foot. She was joined by an array of celebrity friends, including Paris Hilton, Cardi B, Teyana Taylor, Ciara, and La La Anthony.
Taylor, 34, brought edge with a black leather jumpsuit featuring a plunging neckline, styled with straight dark hair and playful side ponytails. Ciara, 39, showcased her fit figure in a black leather jacket, sheer bodysuit, and furry boots, accessorizing with futuristic glasses and sleek blond hair.
La La Anthony, 42, radiated confidence in a strapless ruched mini dress from Y/Project, paired with gray shearling boots, a matching coat, and thick platinum hoop earrings. Her red hair was styled straight, complementing her bold yet elegant look.
Ice Spice, 24, wore a curve-hugging animal print corset over a sheer turtleneck, paired with matching pants and pumps. Her bright red hair was styled in a half-ponytail, and her natural-looking makeup featured a soft pink lip. The singer shared a playful photo with Kardashian, both pursing their lips in a signature pose.
Veteran broadcaster Gayle King, 69, stunned in a vibrant pink fitted dress layered with an embroidered floral coat with white feathered trim. Her look was completed with loose curls and diamond necklaces.
Paris Hilton, 43, Kardashian’s childhood friend, also attended. The DJ opted for a bold black-and-white animal print dress and coat combo, accessorized with a Swarovski crystal choker and dark sunglasses, while her long blonde waves added a touch of glamour.
Country singer Kelsea Ballerini, 31, kept it chic in a black slip dress and coat, her blonde bob styled in loose waves. Meghan Trainor, 30, showed off her recent weight loss in a black turtleneck sweater paired with a leather jacket, her sleek blonde hair and natural makeup enhancing her fresh look.
NBA player Donovan Mitchell, 28, represented the sports world in a black denim jacket, matching jeans, and cream shirt, finishing with dark sunglasses.
The event’s dinner menu was just as impressive, featuring roasted red peppers with mozzarella, Caesar alla ZZ, and baked clams for starters, followed by spicy rigatoni vodka, prime porterhouse steak, branzino with garlic spinach, and funghi trifolati. Guests rounded off the evening with an assortment of desserts.
Kim expressed gratitude to her guests, saying, “It means the world to me that you guys are here to support.” Reflecting on her journey, she shared, “My first job ever was in retail. It shaped me with the best experiences, and I’ve learned so much.” The crowd applauded enthusiastically as she marveled at the store’s prime Fifth Avenue location, exclaiming, “I cannot f-ing believe we have a store on Fifth Avenue!”
