Kim Kardashian was younger than we thought when she began her modeling career. She was under the age of ten when she landed her first gig with a recognized brand. Nowadays, Kim doesn't do as much Catwalking on the Runways, and when she does, it's for her shapewear brand SKIMS.
The amazing part is that Kim's only 5'2, which is way below the 5'8 height requirement, but she just passes the petite requirement, which is her height. It also helps to have mother to manage your bookings and everything else, until you decide to do it on your own.
That said, we're going back in time to Kim's early days!
Kim Kardashian was always a Barbie girl
Barbie Magazine 1988
Kim already knew at the tender age of seven when she made her photographic debut in 1988 in a four-page spread in Barbie Magazine. The bright images feature a bubbly Kim in a pink and white ensemble as she holds a map of Los Angeles, or celebrity homes, as indicated by the page's byline.
"My first debut was from 1988 in Barbie Magazine. Look! What a star. Star maps," the newly graduated law student says in the clip.
On the fourth page, Kim is wear the iconic Minnie Mouse ears as she kneels beside a Walk of Fame Star at Grauman's Theater.
"I love LA! How cute!" she says.
The resurfaced clips are from 2017, when Kim shared them on her Snapchat. Little did she know that she would soon star in a movie about dolls. While it's not Barbie (though if there's a sequel, Kim will surely have a role), it's going to be about another popular doll, Bratz.
Kim Kardashian in her Y2K modeling moments
The 2000s version of Kim was a complete package, not that she isn't now; however, there was something refreshingly unique about her beauty, appearance, and demeanor, as well as the gentle way she presented herself. She was also that "It Girl" who reigned the decade without a hitch.
In the latter half of the aughts, Kim modeled for numerous brands, and while a few of them are no longer in existence, she made them legendary.
Christian Audigier 2007
Kim wore this dazzling, printed silk maxi dress by the French designer Christian Audigier. She glamorized herself with frosted makeup by MAC, in keeping with the era's style. She looks like a completely different person, but in a fabulous way!
2B Free 2007
2B Free was a clothing line that specialized in loungewear and comfortable pieces such as velour tracksuits and graphic tees- the very essences of the Y2K culture. Kim, along with her bff Paris Hilton, made these fashions recognizable and fun. I practically lived in black velour, but not because of Kim, but because of the comfort levels it provided.
Heatherette 2007
Heatherette was what you considered your out-of-this-world clubwear and haute couture, and clubbing was all the rage in the 2000s, so the brand checked all the boxes for a hot night in Hollywood. It was launched in 1999 by designer Ritchie Rich and his partner at the time, Trever Raind, and many celebrities, including Kim, modeled the pieces during Fashion Week and events.
Dash 2007
When you own a boutique, you can expect Kim and her sisters to showcase the merchandise. Plus, it's more economical, as you're the best representation for the company and know your products, so you're saving on not using super models or third parties.
Besides, that bronze-copper dress did wonders for Kim's skin tone and she should wear more jewel shades, as they really enhance her beauty.
Playboy 2007
Just like her idol, Marilyn Monroe, Kim did a racy spread in Playboy and was featured on the cover of the December 2007 issue. Initially and naturally, she was hesitant to do it, as a scandal was brewing around her, and she just didn't want to be known for her looks. Yet, the late Hugh Hefner and her mom, Kris, coerced her into doing the photoshoot, saying that it would be classy and memorable.
The Playboy event unfolded during a season one episode of Keeping Up With The Kardashians, and Kris's infamous line, "You're doing amazing Sweetie," was entombed into a meme. Probably one of the best memes of all time.
However, Kim later regretted her decision to pose for Playboy, revealing her feelings at the KUWTK reunion in 2021. A 2010 Harper's Bazaar article further elaborated on the regret, and Kim even apologized.
"I'm sorry I did Playboy. I was uncomfortable [with it]."
These days, Kim doesn't strut on the Runways, and only limits her modeling gigs for SKIMS. Still, it's fun to revisit the past to reflect and how far one came since.