Five years after turning heads at Justin and Hailey Bieber’s wedding, Kylie Jenner has openly discussed the controversial metallic gold gown she wore, defending her memorable choice while acknowledging that she “probably wouldn’t wear this now.” Her recent candid reflections on Vogue’s “Life in Looks” series offer a fresh perspective on a moment that sparked significant debate among fashion enthusiasts and wedding etiquette experts alike.
In 2019, when Justin and Hailey Bieber celebrated their nuptials in a lavish South Carolina ceremony, one guest’s attire arguably stole almost as much attention as the bride’s multiple gowns: Kylie Jenner. Her striking J’aton Couture metallic gold dress, featuring a daring cleavage-baring cutout and a waist-high slit, instantly became a talking point, dividing opinions on appropriate wedding guest fashion.
Now, five years later, the Kylie Cosmetics founder has finally addressed the backlash in an episode of Vogue’s “Life in Looks” series, offering an insightful look into her mindset at the time and her current perspective on the polarizing ensemble. Her reflections underscore a continuing dialogue about celebrity style and the unwritten rules of social events.
A Look Back at the Controversial Choice
The 2019 event was the Biebers’ second wedding celebration, following their civil ceremony in New York City in 2018. For the more elaborate affair in South Carolina on September 30, 2019, Kylie Jenner aimed to go “all out,” believing other guests would do the same. “I think people were a little upset that I went all out,” the mom of two confessed during her Vogue interview.
Despite the public’s divided reaction, Jenner recalled the night fondly. “I loved this look. I had one of the best nights actually, I was one of the last ones to leave the wedding,” she stated. Her confidence in her choice was, in part, due to her belief that the happy couple approved. “But [Justin and Hailey] didn’t care — I don’t think,” she mused, humorously adding, “Hailey, call me if you have an issue.”
Accessorizing a Statement Look
Beyond the gown itself, Jenner meticulously curated a complete ensemble, complementing the metallic gold with equally luxurious accessories. These included:
- Goshwara jewels
- Stuart Weitzman heels
- Elizabeth Stone butterfly hair pin
- Judith Leiber butterfly purse
Each piece added to the opulent and head-turning nature of her wedding guest attire, reinforcing her intention to make a significant fashion statement at the high-profile event.
Kylie’s Evolving Perspective on Wedding Etiquette
While still standing by her love for the dress and the night, Kylie Jenner acknowledged that her perspective on wedding guest attire has shifted over time. “I probably wouldn’t wear this now to someone’s wedding,” she admitted, indicating a growth in her understanding of traditional fashion sensibilities for such occasions. This sentiment aligns with broader public discussions regarding guests potentially outshining the bride.
This isn’t the first time a member of the Jenner-Kardashian clan has faced scrutiny over wedding fashion. In 2022, Kendall Jenner encountered a similar situation after posting photos of a racy Mônot dress she wore to her friend Lauren Perez’s wedding in November 2021. Kendall, much like Kylie, playfully defended her choice, stating, “Lauren Perez obvi asked for your approval in advance too. We love a beach wedding,” as reported by Parade.
The Biebers’ Wedding Style: A Bridal Contrast
In contrast to Kylie’s bold choice, the bride, Hailey Bieber, showcased an array of stunning custom bridal gowns throughout her celebrations. Her main look was an Off-White design featuring the words “wedding dress” in pearls, complemented by a veil embroidered with Virgil Abloh’s signature block lettering: “till death do us part.” For her reception looks, Hailey opted for a rich Rich & Russo silk halter gown and a floor-length Vera Wang creation. These choices highlighted a more traditional yet fashion-forward bridal aesthetic, setting a clear tone for the event.
Kylie’s recent discussion on Vogue’s “Life in Looks” series, which can be viewed on YouTube, provides a comprehensive closure to a five-year-long fashion debate. It reiterates that while personal style is paramount, understanding and respecting social contexts like a wedding remains a delicate balance for celebrities and the public alike.
