Has Luann de Lesseps’ cultural reach extended far beyond reality TV? The former Real Housewives of New York star has proved her longevity in the medium far beyond the show that made her famous. But has her star power gone so far as to inspire Kim Kardashian’s 2025 Met Gala look?
Luann starred on RHONY from the premier through Season 13. She stars in a highly successful cabaret show. The socialite is currently appearing on Love Hotel, alongside other Real Housewives. As well as appearing on The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip.
Luann de Lesseps says Kim Kardashian stole her look for the 2025 Met Gala
Luann exclusively reacted to Kim’s 2025 Met Gala to Us Weekly. The RHONY alum thinks that Kim took inspiration from her cabaret costumes.
“I love that Kim was inspired by my cabaret look and stole it for the Met,” she said. “She looked fabulous and I’m so happy that she’s inspired by me.”
Kim showed up to the May 5 event at the NYC Metropolitan Museum of Art with a surprisingly familiar look. At least for those who are fans of Luann. The reality TV mogul was wearing a black leather Chrome Hearts dress. Arguably, the matching Stephen Jones Millinery fedora pulled the whole look together.
Luann was drawn to the hat especially and credited her designer in a post to her Instagram Story.
“My hat is made by the ex-hatmaker of the queen of England — Philip Tracey — who made them for Liz Taylor, Joan Collins, the queen, and me. Actually, I bought mine from New York Vintage 20 years ago. When I put it on, I knew it was mine,” the songstress shared.
Luann sees the nod to her fashion as a business opportunity. She told Us, “Now that I have brought back the hat, I need a hat line now for fedoras. I’m going to launch a line and make them for everyone. I’m happy Kim stole my look for the Met!”
Kim had a different inspiration
Kim credited her look as a nod to Lenny Kravitz. It was styled by Jahleel weave to go with the “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” theme.
“Inspired by Lenny Kravitz, a modern dandy whose fluid, bold aesthetic, alongside icons like Jimi Hendrix and Miles Davis, pioneered distinct and culturally significant aesthetics — shaping the way men dress for generations to come,” Kardashian shared on Instagram. “Lenny’s signature Chrome Hearts style perfectly captures the spirit of this theme – Black style, razor-sharp tailoring, and dandy tradition.”
