Kim Kardashian Takes the Internet by Storm with Bold New Hair Transformation

Introducing Look of the Week, a recurring series that delves into the most buzzed-about ensemble from the past week, showcasing both the admirable and the less desirable.

When Kim Kardashian comes to mind, what typically comes to mind are her luxurious dark tresses, impeccable complexion, or perhaps her figure accentuated by neutral-toned spandex. But a cropped hairstyle and a set of retro reading glasses from 2003? Highly unlikely.

Yet, CR Fashion Book unveiled this image for the magazine's 10th anniversary edition on Monday. Captured by renowned American photographer and beloved fashion figure Nadia Lee Cohen, Kardashian's appearance is hardly recognizable in the monochromatic shot. Her voluminous hair appears to have been shorn short, while her well-groomed eyebrows have been delicately thinned. Clad in a smudged white DSQUARED2 tank top and sporting Old Focals eyewear, she exudes a mesmerizing aura.

The creative shoot showed a new side of the reality star.

Nadia Lee Cohen/CR Fashion Book

Kim Kardashian's recent image has caused quite a stir online. In a drastic departure from her usual style, the reality star's new look has sparked a trending hashtag, "Kim Kardashian," on X (previously known as Twitter). The image has already garnered an impressive 22 million views. Interestingly, despite some online comparisons to the menacing "Chucky" horror films, there might be a deliberate strategy behind Kardashian's bold choice.

Moving on to a completely different topic, let's delve into the history of buzzcuts and its association with Sinéad O'Connor.

While the ensemble may come as a surprise, it is far from being unfashionable. The term "librarian chic" gained popularity among fashion enthusiasts on social media earlier this year, when Miu Miu showcased their Autumn-Winter 2023 collection featuring sleek oval eyeglasses paired with pencil skirts and button-up cardigans. For those who often misplace their reading glasses, glasses chains offer a practical solution and can be found at Fendi for $620. Celebrities like Bella Hadid, Doja Cat, and influencer Gabbriette have all been seen sporting thin-rimmed lenses. Adding to the trendiness, the Kardashians' buzz cut has become a go-to style choice recently, with celebrities such as Emma Corrin and Florence Pugh embracing the close crop.

Kardashian fronted the cover of the magazine buzzed and bespectacled.

Nadia Lee Cohen/CR Fashion Book

"Ugly is captivating, ugly is exhilarating," stated Miuccia Prada (founder and creative director of Miu Miu since 1993) in a 2013 interview with British newspaper The Telegraph. "(Finding beauty in ugliness) may have caused controversy in fashion, but it is commonplace in other art forms such as painting and movies."

In order to thrive in the unpredictable and ever-changing entertainment industry, both excitement and evolution are essential. Throughout the past decade, Kim Kardashian has undergone numerous transformations: from being Paris Hilton's assistant clad in vibrant pink Juicy Couture tracksuits, to being Kanye West's muse dressed head-to-toe in Yeezy athleisure, and even portraying a law student in oversized power suits for White House engagements. However, all of these personas align with her carefully curated personal brand, which promotes a manufactured sense of perfection. In a 2015 Vogue España cover shoot, Kardashian flirted with the idea of revealing her true self by appearing without makeup. Nevertheless, up until now, she had never fully committed to such a deviation from expectations, especially considering it coincided with her debut in the television series "American Horror Story."

Her image, once Kardashians prized possession, has been flipped on its head by stylist Carine Roitfeld and Cohen. Is it to help usher in a new era of her career? Time will tell.