Kim Kardashian mocked for bizarre mask at California gala – the theory behind it

Everything Kim Kardashian touches grabs attention, but her latest appearance has left fans and critics alike stunned.

According to many, this time she’s really outdone herself — and it’s impossible not to stare.

A sock-like mask

Kim Kardashian, 44, has long been a fixture on the red carpet, turning heads with daring outfits that blur the line between fashion and spectacle. From curve-hugging gowns to avant-garde ensembles, the reality star and entrepreneur has made it her signature move to push style boundaries, and spark conversation while doing it.

Just as Kim Kardashian is no stranger to turning heads, the Academy Museum Gala in California is no stranger to jaw-dropping fashion. But this year, it wasn’t her gown that stole the spotlight, it was her head.

The reality star stepped onto the red carpet in a skin-toned Maison Margiela gown that came complete with a sock-like mask, a balaclava-style covering that left only the vaguest hint of her features visible.

It wasn’t Kardashian’s first head-turning masked moment.

Back in 2021, she attended the same gala in an all-black Balenciaga catsuit with a cape, her head entirely concealed. But even repeat stunts didn’t soften the shock this time. And of course, social media users were quick to react.

”I didn’t realize that there was a Botox shortage until this,” one user wrote.

”Looks like one of those crazy looking pumpkin heads,” another added.

Outlets didn’t hold back either.

The Daily Mail promptly labeled her look one of the “worst dressed stars” of the night, calling the 44-year-old SKIMS founder’s masked ensemble “peculiar.”

The article noted, “Among the style blunders at the Annual Academy Museum Gala was a peculiar masked look from none other than red carpet queen Kim Kardashian.” Fans echoed the criticism, and some confusion, online.

One user on X likened it to a tongue-in-cheek “cover the face with a brown bag” joke: “Guarantee you it isn’t the first time somebody had to cover her face!” another chimed in.