Kim Kardashian once again finds herself at the center of controversy for mixing religious symbols with provocative fashion. This time, her latest advertisement for her brand SKIMS, created in collaboration with Dolce & Gabbana, has sparked backlash for using a rosary.
According to Daily Wire, Kim Kardashian is facing backlash for wearing a rosary in a lingerie ad promoting her brand, SKIMS, in collaboration with Dolce & Gabbana.
The advertisement shows Kardashian wearing a SKIMS lingerie set that includes a bra, underwear, and lace shorts. She accessorizes the ensemble with a rosary around her neck, prominently displaying a cross. Dolce & Gabbana, a luxury fashion house, created the rosary, which retails for $525.
Social media users swiftly criticized the advertisement, calling out the disrespectful use of the rosary. Comments on her Instagram post expressed disappointment and outrage, highlighting the inappropriateness of using a sacred symbol in a seductive fashion advertisement.
Critics primarily focus on how Kardashian portrayed the rosary, a significant religious item for many. One Instagram user voiced the shared sentiment: "The Holy Rosary is NOT a fashion accessory." Such comments highlight widespread discontent over Kardashian’s choice of accessories, which many see as reducing a religious artifact to a mere style object.
Kardashian has previously faced criticism for blending fashion with religious symbolism. She has frequently incorporated crosses into her outfits during public appearances and advertisements, including the 2023 Met Gala, where she wore a cross necklace she purchased at Sotheby’s for approximately $212,000.
Social media users have severely criticized this pairing, with one commenter stating, “Why is she always wearing the cross when she’s half naked... like wtaf.” These remarks underscore the discomfort many feel about combining sacred religious symbols with erotic imagery.
Another comment reflected a view of potential double standards in how different religious symbols are treated in popular media: "Wearing a cross while being half naked. [Would you] make a mockery out of other religions too?" This raises questions about the boundaries of creative freedom and cultural sensitivity in the fashion and entertainment industries.
Moreover, another blunt comment—"Nothing about you is holy. Take the rosaries off lol”—suggests that for some, the personal brand of the celebrity also impacts how the use of such symbols is perceived.
A more exacerbated reaction included: “Why don’t you just get naked!!!!! Such hypocrisy stripping while wearing a cross!!!! So bored of your desperation.” This highlights how the recurrent theme of controversy may be affecting public tolerance and perception of Kardashian’s branding maneuvers.
The use of religious symbols in fashion isn’t new and has often been subject to debate. Designers and celebrities alike tread a fine line between inspiration and insensitivity, with reactions depending on numerous factors including the symbol’s cultural depth, the context of its use, and the individual’s public image.
In this instance, Kardashian’s fashion choice for the advertisement has been predominantly met with disapproval, signaling a clash between commercial intent and cultural sentiment. As celebrities like Kardashian continue to wield significant influence, their fashion choices remain spotlighted and scrutinized, especially when they intersect with potent cultural symbols.
Feedback like this reflects an ongoing dialogue about where to draw the line in fashion's appropriation of religious and cultural elements. The controversy also underscores the challenges that come with blending modern branding strategies with traditional symbols laden with deep meanings.
In summary, the discussion around Kardashian’s latest advertisement not only highlights the specifics of one marketing choice but also feeds into larger conversations about respect, cultural appropriation, and the responsibilities of influential public figures in respecting cultural and religious sentiments.
As the digital age brings more visibility to such decisions, the reactions to them are swift and often severe, fanning the flames of debate about the intersection of culture, commerce, and respect. As the feedback to Kardashian's post shows, this incident may serve as a cautionary tale for other brands and figures navigating similar waters.
