A family-run body shop in Kent has revealed it painted the breastplate worn by Kim Kardashian at this year's Met Gala. MPS Body and Paint, based in Lydd, was commissioned by artistic duo Whitaker Malem to paint the burnt orange fibreglass piece.
The brother and sister team behind the garage, who usually work on cars, were given just 24 hours to complete the unusual task. Co-owner Nicki Hill said: 'We were given 24 hours to turn it around. They wanted it very, very quickly. It's the first time we've been asked to do a fibreglass breastplate.'
Initially, the pair were not told who the piece was for. 'They were very, very discreet. We knew it was for some famous celebrity,' Hill explained. 'When they came to collect, we asked them. But we were under strict confidentiality for the next two weeks until the event had taken place.'
The breastplate was paired with a leather skirt and nude heels for the event at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York on 4 May. Hill added: 'I might be a bit biased because obviously we sprayed the item. But I thought she looked stunning.'
Whitaker Malem, who also created Batman's suit and costumes for the Harry Potter films, are based between London and Kent. Kardashian reportedly flew to the UK twice from Los Angeles for fittings.
