At Monday's Met Gala, Kim Kardashian delivered the evening's biggest jolt, opting for an orange fibreglass breastplate created by London art duo Whitaker Malem and a car bodyshop in Kent. The piece, a bold interpretation of the 'fashion is art' dress code, sparked conversation about the human form in art.
Collaboration and Creation
Patrick Whitaker, 61, and Keir Malem, 60, founders of Whitaker Malem, collaborated with British pop artist Allen Jones. Jones's controversial fetishistic furniture, featuring topless women, influenced the design. The breastplate was cast from a mould derived from Jones's 1969 Hatstand sculpture and finished with a hand-painted leather skirt.
The process began in early April when Kardashian called the duo directly. During a video call, she showed them her body to ensure a perfect fit. She later flew to the UK to visit Jones's Oxfordshire home and tried on various fibreglass moulds in east London.
Production and Finishing
The breastplate, made from glass-reinforced plastic, weighed about as much as a bag of flour. It was sprayed orange by Martyn Smith at MPS Body and Paint in Lydd, Kent, using multiple layers of primer, solvent base, and gloss lacquer. Kardashian wore nothing underneath.
Days before the gala, a courier flew first class from Los Angeles to collect the piece, placing it in an overhead locker since it lacked a seat reservation.
Background of Whitaker Malem
Whitaker Malem, founded in 1988, describes themselves as 'pop artisans,' producing about 12 garments yearly starting at £5,000. They specialize in wet-moulded leather, creating pieces for celebrities like Cher and Bella Hadid, and films such as Troy and Wonder Woman. Their work includes Brad Pitt's skirt, Halle Berry's belt, and Christian Bale's batsuit.
Artistic Significance
Allen Jones, known for his provocative furniture, faced criticism but cleverly subverted expectations with Kardashian's piece. 'Instead of the usual girl draped across the car, he wanted to put the car on the girl,' said Malem. The collaboration highlights the intersection of art, fashion, and celebrity.
The designers noted that while five other attendees wore breastplates, including Kardashian's half-sisters, her choice was risky. 'Good art should start conversation, and Kim did exactly that,' Whitaker remarked.
