The Gothic Glam aesthetic is this year's fashion's most significant trend. Lady Gaga attended the 2025 Grammy Awards in a Victorian-inspired piece, and now, Kim Kardashian donned the all-black style at the 15 Percent Pledge Gala on Saturday, February 1st,
The 15 Percent Pledge is a nonprofit launched in 2020 to help Black small business owners thrive in their successes and gain equality in the employment world. As corporations are rolling back their DEI initiatives and policies under President Trump's executive order, it's more imperative than ever for owners to have their fair share. Additionally, Saturday night's event brought in $3 million, with a portion aiding the 2025 SoCal Wildfires victims.
It was an exciting night at the gala, now in its fifth year, as it casted the spotlight on up-and-coming businesses by people with a strong passion in their respective fields and entrepreneurial goals.
Kim Kardashian is 2025's Gothic Glam Girl at the 15 Percent Pledge Gala
Kim's known for creating head-turning looks at events, and she did it again on Saturday night. The reality star walked into the gala wearing a custom-fitted black leather backless black dress from the French designer Balmain. Created with leather that featured crocodile embossing, the piece accented Kim's curves and was a preview of what's coming soon from the label.
The ankle-length piece included a high neck and mesh paneling on the sides to give it a more fierce and fashion-forward structure.
Kim accessorized the dress with ultra-high heels and a tiny silver bag. As for hair and glam, she credited her hairstylist, Chris Appleton, with giving her chin-length bob character and shape. Her glam comprised dark red nails, a neutral eye, and her signature lip color, Nude 03, from her SKKN By Kim Makeup line.
Kim went on Instagram following the night's event to share her overall appearance. She uploaded a 10-slide carousel depicting her time. It's learned that the SKIMS founder obeyed the all-black dress code as many other celebrities had done at the 15 Percent Pledge Gala.
"I had the pleasure of attending @15PercentPledge's Annual Gala," she writes in her caption. "It's an incredible organization supporting Black-owned businesses and entreprenuers, ensuring that they have the resources to grow and thrive. A portion of the proceeds from the weekend went to support businesses impacted in Altadena."
Kim tagged her business partner, Emma Grede and the 15 Percent Pledge founder, Auri
Kim was joined by former Destiny's Child member Kelly Rowland, Ciara, and actress Keke Palmer at the gala. Each woman supported the community of their peers and came together to celebrate success.