Kim Kardashian Channels Marilyn Monroe in Balenciaga’s Characters Campaign Featuring Naomi Watts and Isabelle Huppert

Balenciaga places its new Rodeo bag front and center in the brand’s latest campaign starring Kim Kardashian, Naomi Watts and Isabelle Huppert.

Kim Kardashian in Balenciaga's Characters campaign, Rodeo bag

In new imagery revealed on Thursday, Kardashian exchanges her long black tresses for a Marilyn Monroe-inspired crop. The reality star and shapewear mogul, alongside Watts and Huppert, models Balenciaga’s signature ready-to-wear line.

More from WWD

Photographed by Nadav Kander, the Characters campaign sees “each star show a facet of herself by creating a character study:” Kardashian a blonde bombshell, Watts a forlorn femme fatale and Huppert the epitome of Hollywood glitz and glamour.

Balenciaga debuted the Rodeo in May with a campaign fronted by Nicole Kidman and Amelia Gray. Inspired by the “legendary intersection of luxury and fashion, Rodeo Drive,” the calfskin tote features a matte finish, accordion pleats and a turn lock closure. It comes in four sizes and multiple colorways.

Naomi Watts in Balenciaga's Characters campaign, Rodeo bag
Naomi Watts in Balenciaga’s Characters campaign.

In a diversion from the micro bag trend, slouchy silhouettes have reemerged on the runway, with labels like Gucci, Bottega Veneta and Tory Burch favoring roomier models. As the popularity of the “Old Money” aesthetic proliferates among Gen Z, a younger, hipper audience finds themselves drawn to styles once preferred by retro style icons like Lee Radziwill, Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy and Princess Diana.

Kardashian and Huppert were officially named Balenciaga brand ambassadors in 2024 and 2023, respectively, while Watts wore one of the label’s designs at this year’s Met Gala. Alongside her daughter, Kai Schreiber, Watts was also a front row fixture at Balenciaga’s latest couture presentation in June.

Isabelle Huppert in Balenciaga's Characters campaign, Rodeo bag
Isabelle Huppert in Balenciaga’s Characters campaign.

Balenciaga’s Rodeo Bag ‘Characters’ Campaign Featuring Kim Kardashian, Naomi Watts & Isabelle Huppert [PHOTOS]

View Gallery

Launch Gallery: Balenciaga's Rodeo Bag 'Characters' Campaign Featuring Kim Kardashian, Naomi Watts & Isabelle Huppert [PHOTOS]

Best of WWD