How Kim Kardashian became Katy Perry’s ultimate style icon – from no bras, bare butts and their secret fashion formula

THEY say imitation is the highest form of flattery and judging by Katy Perry’s latest looks, she must think highly of Kim Kardashian. 

The A-list icons have been pals for a long time now, with Katy bringing Kim’s daughter North West on stage with her and the pair bonding over their ‘ugly cry faces’. 

InstagramKaty Perry and Kim Kardashian share a selfie together[/caption]

InstagramKaty Perry invited Kims daughter North West on stage with her[/caption]

As well as receiving freebies from Kim’s many brands, Perry once called herself a ‘secret Kardashian’, and recently it seems Katy is looking to her for style inspiration. 

This week Perry, 39, has been in Paris for Fashion Week showing off her new daring style. 

From attending a Balenciaga show in a fur coat, tights and no bra to walking in Vogue World in a daring cut-out gown she’s swapped her jokey and garish looks for fashion forward and sexy looks. 

But we can’t help but notice her showbiz friend Kim, 43, could be behind the transformation. 

Here, Fabulous’ fashion editor Clemmie Fieldsend reveals how the famous Kardashian became Katy’s ultimate style icon. 

BRALESS

Kim in daring fur coat look inspired Katy to opt for the same outfit

Perry arrived at French fashion house, Balenciaga, for their couture show wearing a black fur coat, sunglasses and ripped tights. 

Everything down to her slick-backed hair and expression mirrored Kim’s look from Paris in March when she also wore a fur coat, sunglasses and slick-backed hair wearing, erm, Balenciaga. 

Maybe the pair aren’t just sharing fashion tips but the clothes themselves – we can’t Keep Up. 

CUT-OUTS 

Katy copied Kim’s cut-out look at Vogue World: Paris

When Kim Kardashian stepped out in a cut-out black dress covering only her nipples we’d thought we’d reached peak-daring fashion. 

The Skims mogul wore a vintage Thiierry Mugler dress in 2019 to the Hollywood Beauty Awards with black straps across her chest, wrists and with a thigh high slit. 

Fast forward to now and Katy Perry has replicated the outfit for Vogue World: Paris which took place this month in a dress by Noir Ninomiya. 

BARE BUTTS

Kim revived the exposed thong trend in 2020 and Katy followed suit this year

Katy Perry arrived at the Billboard Music Awards in March wearing a red corseted top and skirt that was partially laced-up with black underwear on show. 

But styling a peekaboo G-string isn’t original, it’s a thong of the past. 

Her pal Kim wore a similar look (and adported the same pose).

In October 2020 Kim took to Instagram to show off her new scoop-backed LBD with a red G-string poking out of the top. 

FISHNETS

Perry wowed at the iHeartRadio Music Awards and channelled Kims fishnet look

In April earlier this year Katy hit the red carpet in a black bra and pants with a fishnet frock over the top. 

At the iHeartRadio Music Awards the Firework singer wowed in the netted look with knee high boots. 

With mermaid-like hair to match her nautical look, she appeared to be the double of Kim yet again.

In 2016 a blonde Kim arrived at, then husband, Kanye’s art exhibition in Hollywood wearing a fishnet frock with nude full bodysuit underneath that made her appear completely nude. 

It seems Perry fell hook, line and sinker for the punkish look. 

RUFFLES 

Kim knows how to ruffle feathers and Katy took note

Katy put on her finest frock and covered herself in diamonds for the reopening of Tiffany & Co’s flagship store in New York in April 2023. 

The deconstructed, cream ruffled dress with sheer straps was reminiscent of a gown Kim had worn to the Vanity Fair Oscars After Party. 

In 2020 the reality star swept the carpet with her long gown by Alexander McQueen. 

Katy must have seen the look worn by mate Kim, and liked it. 

SWAP ‘TIL YOU DROP

Fashion editor Clemmie Fieldsend says:

SWAPPING clothes with your mates is a rite of passage for women. When I was younger, getting ready to go out was more fun than the going out itself. Arriving at a pals house, trying on clothes, sharing accessories, styling each other whilst splitting some lukewarm plonk. It was all a part of our Saturday night ritual. Hats off to Kim and Katy for keeping the Teenage Dream alive and continuing to dress up in each others looks or be inspired by one another. Luckily for them they’re similar ages, sizes and stages in life. As far as girl hood goes these two are nailing it and even though their fashion choices are daring – good for them for being bold. 

SCULPTED TOPS 

Kim’s Vanity Fair look inspired Katy to opt for a sculptural look too

Last month Katy made a statement for the American Idol last show party wearing a metallic skirt with a huge slit up the leg and a matching sculptural top. 

The top finished with a point from the corner of her chest almost up to her shoulder. 

Only a few months before Kim Kardashian wore a similarly striking look to the Vanity Fair Oscars After Party. 

Kims minimalist gown by Balenciaga made waves in March for its fin-like front and for being more of a demure look for the star. 

Following Kim’s Roar-ing success, Katy couldn’t help but create her own version.