Meeting Kim Kardashian West in her silky Malibu condo, Eve Barlow trails the story of Kween K and the Kardashian dynasty - Earth’s most followed fam. Photography Petra Collins Fashion Zara Mirkin Words Eve Barlow Previous page: Dress DAISY, bra and knickers FLEUR DE MAR, tights TRASHY LINGERIE, gloves MIU MIU, earrings DOUBLE DISCO

Opposite page: Dress CHRISTIAN DIOR, tights EMILIO CAVALLINI, shoes ACNE STUDIOS, earrings DOUBLE DISCO. This page: Top KENZO, pants RETROGRADE, tights EMILIO CAVALLINI, veil NY VINTAGE, necklace and ring CARTIER, boots MCQ arrival, with the aid of her smiley security guard Sonny, I erected a 10-foot tall, solid wood screen behind Kim’s chair on this exposed balcony to conceal her from potential prying snappers. Kim’s level of fame is on par with that of the late Princess Diana, so you adopt a CIA mindset around her. Having secured the balcony’s perimeter, Sonny and I looked to the open sky, then to each other. No words were exchanged, but ours was a deep understanding. If helicopter paps came, and there wasn’t enough time to move Kim inside, I would have to sit on her. As laughter turns to near-silent shriek, I jump up. “I’m OK, thank you so much for grabbing that!” says Kim, drama-free, as I liberate her from a plank of mahogany. Sonny too bolts to action via the balcony doors. Kim laughs, apologetically. “Thank you,” she repeats. “It’s not your fault.” The accident came, oddly, while Kim was relating a tale about her neighbour, comedian Kathy Griffin, who has been snooping on Kim too, albeit unintentionally. Kim walks around her Beverly Hills home naked. One day her mother Kris called her from pal Kathy’s kitchen and told her that her “glam room” was visible from Griffin’s window. She and Kanye installed a hedge. Kim keeps forgetting to send flowers to Kathy to apologise. “I hope I’m not ruining Kathy’s life, gah!” Kim’s is a dainty, cushioned figure that turned the internet into a giant think-piece, largely due to that derriere. Her behind takes you by surprise when she stands up, in the same way a baby-sized open parachute would surprise you if it was attached to someone’s back. It probably qualifies for a display in the Louvre. Peach-y bum aside, id-way through a 10am there’s a lot more riding on Kim’s still-intact shoulders. It’s hard to interview with Kim keep up with her, never mind her family. But let’s start with them. Kardashian West on a Sunday morning, my attempts to protect her from the threat of unseen, yet omnipresent, paparazzi almost knock her out. There we were, sat on the serene balcony of a Malibu residence, the location for today’s Wonderland shoot and Kim Kardashian West in In 2017, Keeping Up With The Kardashians will turn 10. Their public full – or “KKW” as she’s referred to on email – is casually beginning history begins in 1995, when Kim’s father Robert Kardashian every answer with a Valley girl “To-tally” (22 “totally”s in total over defended OJ Simpson, a trial that was televised for 134 days – and has the course of our conversation). Nothing is sacred when your life has now been revisited via FX series The People Vs OJ Simpson – turning been broadcast to the world via 12 seasons – and counting – of E! many of its figures into overnight celebrities. If you think about it, series Keeping Up With The Kardashians. Dad birthed the concept of reality TV. Kim’s mother Kris had already Kim chats about whether her third husband Kanye West shares separated from Robert and re-married Olympic hero Bruce (now night feeds for their six-month-old son, Saint. He doesn’t. Kanye’s transitioned to Caitlyn) Jenner in 1991. Robert died when Kim wasn’t “hands-on, but he’s not a night guy”. He’s great with North, their yet 23 in 2003, the same year she filmed a sex tape with then-boyfriend three-year-old daughter. When Kim asks Kanye to watch Saint, she Ray J, which would leak in 2007. Later, in October of ‘07, the family returns to find her husband passed out on the bed. “I’m like, ‘That’s appeared on their E! network show, which documented the everyday not how this is supposed to go!’” happenings of Kim and her sisters, including elder sis Kourtney, and Today, her heart-shaped face is what’s termed “pre-glam” – bare, younger siblings Khloe and Rob. The Jenner children – Kylie and to you and I. It is teeny, unblemished, and gently pointed at the chin Kendall, her half-sisters – would also appear. “We’ve created the best like the peach Emoji she uses on Snapchat. That peach Emoji could memories,” Kim says today. describe either her facial cheeks or her other cheeks, depending on “I could have it go on forever if people were interested.” The show is how cheeky you’re feeling. “I wear no makeup at home. My husband the ultimate memorial to Robert, sealing the family as the architects of loves a fresh face,” she says. “I used to hate this bump on my nose.” fly-on-the-wall TV. The content may seem like wallpaper melodrama, She rubs the bump. I don’t see a bump. “Hated it. Now I love that it but there’s something to be said for the fact that the Kardashians makes me look more ethnic. People think I’ve had my nose done. I have become the most consistent, functional family unit in many haven’t.” Pause. “It does look smaller. Maybe it’s the contour I use. of its viewers’ lives, a unit that breaks conventions of mother/father “Ah-woo, my shoulders!” cry-laughs Kim. A gust of wind comes roles, featuring bi-racial relationships (Kim/Kanye, Rob/Blac Chyna shooting around the side of the balcony. There’s an almighty CRASH! – not her birth name), Rob’s depression, and the most notorious

The wind shouldn’t have been a problem, but moments before her sex change ever. DISCO DOUBLE earrings shoes BALMAIN, NY, top CELINÉ at BARNEY’S and pants JUICY COUTURE, Jacket

Jumpsuit AREA, slippers from a selection at EARLY HALLOWEEN, tights (worn as bra) TRASHY LINGERIE, cuffs and ring LOUIS VUITTON at THE REALREAL

Previous spread: Dress DAISY, bra and knickers FLEUR DE MAR, tights TRASHY LINGERIE, gloves MIU MIU, earrings DOUBLE DISCO control. willgetdown andzoominon “Sometimes photographers Sometimes I’m soover my ass.” The paps, however, arelesseasyto shoot recentlyandwas like: ‘Thank godthisisaboutmy legs.’ day. nakedevery feel likebeingphotographed necessarily “I dida haute couturelinesforhernon-waifish figure. That said, shedoesn’t to body-shaming, tobuild even encouragedEuropean designers business ventures. in thedriver’s seat ofherown bodyimageandintrinsically-linked her outofvictimcultureandfemaleobjectification andputting her Paris Hiltonbyfriend hersextapeleakintoanempire, turning taking 127 million Twitter followers. andInstagram Sheout-schooledformer makeup businesses, andbeyond. At thetimeofgoingtoprint, shehas book apps (KIMOJI, one game”. standsat $52.5m, currently Hernetworth duetoherthree cover of more now, becauseI’msoobsessedwithmine.” medal. You didthissixtimes?!’ herlove Iunderstand forherbabies my daughterIlookedat my mother andsaid: ‘You afucking deserve each other,” shesays. “And ohmy to god, birth whenIwas giving the two of us. No guidance, no real advice. We’ve a lot from learned Head ofKardashianOps, Kris. have eclipsedtheshow’s, henceher specialrelationship withmother, to work. Ithinkthemisconception’s changing.” Kim’s achievements office foryears, Iworked inaclothingstorehighschool, Ilove out, have my routine. Idon’t liketositaround. Iworked inmy dad’s her job. “Even if Ihave nothingtodoontheweekends, Igetup, work longer togetdressedthanKanye does. She’s madeawoman’s work Sunday readyfor a 10-hour photoshoot. morning Kim says she takes that they all arefamous for beingfamous. And yet here we are on a herself. “I mean…I’ve beenonthecover ofUSVogue , ha!” my Vogue littlesisteron thecover offuckingAmerican !” Shesmirksat gets thisnew generation. There’s nothingprouder for me than seeing cover. Ilove that Anna [Wintour, loves nameterms] first Kendalland envy. Are you jealous, Kim? “No! She’s amodel. Sheshouldbeonthe Vogue. with suggestingKimwillbegreen isshit-stirring, The internet were totallynormal.” Indeed, isrelative. everything passwords. “We’d spy onthem. Nothingwas crazyoralarming. They Khloe andKimoncehadaccesstoKendallKylie’s Facebook she canhandleit.” She’s thansheusedtobe. lessworried Kourtney, andsoulinto hermakeupbusiness.heart It’s alotfor19-year-old, Kourtney… When Kendall’s having anxiety, it’s hard. Kylie putsher KendallandKylie.about sisters aboutallofthem.“I worry Khloe, “come outofhisshell, andhe’s feelingsomuchhappier”. Sheworries about herfamilyasIwouldover withafriend coffee. BrotherRobhas me.” As someone who doesn’t watch the show, I listen to her tell me Our familymightbeabitdifferent, but that’s what’s sosatisfying to saying: ‘I went throughthat, Ihadnoonetotalkto, your show helped.’ frompeopleWith ourstep-dad[Caitlyn]transitioning, Igotletters Her “nude selfies’til Idie” philosophy haschallengedattitudes tohersecondchild, birth thisyearBeyond Kimmadethe giving “We’re cominguptogether. We figureoutourbusiness modeljust The biggestmisconceptionaboutKimisthat she’s empty-famous, The day we meet, KendallJenner onthecover appears ofAmerican “People alot,” learn says Kim. “Let’s justpickthetransissue. Selfish (acollectionofselfies), herwork-out tapes, clothingand Forbes having banked – so the cover line says – “$45m from Kim Kardashian: Hollywood andherofficialone), her Taylor mightstillhave sex/Imade that bitchfamous.” Kanye stated when Kanye released hissong “Famous”. Itslyrics: “I feel likemeand his “friend” (herwords). 11,The plotthickenedonFebruary 2016 his own MTVaccoladelastsummerwithan introductionby Swift, videosofalltime’made oneofthegreatest moment, tobeingawarded MTV Awards withhisinfamous ‘Imma let you finish…But Beyoncé speechat the2009 hervictory sworn enemiesafterheinterrupted and thepopstarhave relationship over hadanefarious theyears. From platform totakea Taylor Swift-sized bullet forherhusband. Kanye with them. We were dyinglaughing…’” would eithernever hangoutwiththemagainorI’d want tohangout me allthesepeopletofollow like: ‘Oh my god, you’re gonnadie. I account sheplayed withbeforeofficiallyjoiningthisMarch. “He told she’d previouslyignored. He walked herthroughit, settingupasecret talk tome.’ HetoldKimtojoin Snapchat –asocialmediaplatform called herbestfriend, entrepreneurJonathan Cheban: ‘I’m sobored, count, asper. Itwas “four inthemorning” andshewas zoning. She don’t know heisaboutit. how serious We’ll see…” his mouth, but I’mprettysuretheDemocrats. Maybe independent?I Haha.” for? Who would he berunning “I don’t wanna putwords in to Kanye: ‘Babe, you know thekindofphotosthey’d putupofme!’ to Melania [Trump], puttingup the naked photos [of her]… I’ll say Lady?Shelaughs.“Lookbe First at alltheawful thingsthey’re doing 2020. ishetakingthecampaign?IsKimpreparedto How seriously it Ithought– ‘This isdifferent.’” world. Sohewent toFrancerecordthat album. heard When Ifirst me. Hewas superfamousbefore, but thepaparazzilifeisadifferent had this aggression. You can hear it. He wasn’t used to this life with recording [2013album] Yeezus, Iwas sopregnantandmiserable. He with hisfashion. What herapsabout…” shehesitates. “When hewas about myself like: ‘Well I’ve beenthebiggestmuse!’ I’mhands-on recently theonesforsingles “Wolves” and “Famous”. “I hate talking timeforthat.in 50years Kim’s inhismusicvideos, co-starred most tier wealth bankrollshiscreative freedomandwe mightthankher marriage, it’s hardtoknow whetherit’s love, true but Kim’s upper by a fanininventor ElonMuskandhasbeencomparedtoDavid Bowie inFlorence.millennium at afortress Kanye West, therapperwhohas forwomen.rights Ijustdon’t likelabels.” than somepeoplethat standthereandmarch. Idefinitelybelieve inall to actlikeit.” Shewaves herhands. “I act10timesmoreofafeminist many people claiming that they are a feminist and they don’t do shit ready touploadherwebsite “tomorrow” addressingit. “I seeso week whenKim said shewasn’t a “feminist”. Shehasablogindrafts Literally they’re constantlyupmy assandI’mover it.” ‘Fuck you, justtogetapictureupmy stoplaying ontheground ass.’ my butt. SoI’llputmy handover my butt. It’s my way ofsaying: Less thanfourmonthsafterKimjoinedSnapchat, sheusedthe “I don’t wanna say,” shesmiles. Wait, who? One nightinLondon, Kimcouldn’t sleep. Kanye was outforthe Last summer, Kanye for President in announced he wanted to run In May 2014, themostavant-garde rockstarofthe Kimmarried Her empowered stanceisthereasonpeoplewere disappointedthis The Guardian, nodoubtboostsKim’s street-appeal. Like a Royal Opposite page: Top AREA, top (worn underneath) JACQUEMUS at ALBRIGHT, tights STYLIST’S OWN, shorts MIU MIU, earrings GRACE WALES BONNER at OPENING CEREMONY. This page: Top JACQUEMUS at ALBRIGHT Dress KENZO, shoes FENDI, tights STYLIST’S OWN, earrings LANVIN, bracelet LOUIS VUITTON at THE REALREAL trusted.” The police? “Yeah. What acrazytime.” I wanna raisemy kidstonotbeafraidofpeople that aresupposedly even my daughter…It’s aconversation that’s always inourhousehold. that andwould want togetinvolved. Having ablackhusband, ason, foremost, anyone that’s compassionate would feelatypeofway about her astaunchBlackLives Matter supporter. “Absolutely. and Butfirst Being mother to an African son in this climate must makeAmerican of in responsetothe murders Alton SterlingandPhilando Castile. speaking outalotonguncontrol,” shesays. KimwroteabloginJuly the TV show, personal. tokeeptheexperience preferring says. Up until worknow she has been keen to keep her charity out of the wholefamily. We’ll eachhave differentcausesinonehub,” she do. We’ve beenresearchinghow tocreate ourown foundation within ventures.about futurecharitable “There’s definitelymorethat we can The wholeKardashianclanhave beenhaving “meeting aftermeeting” under fire for not wielding her platform for enough good in the past. Kim isfarfromperfect, whichiswhy she’s sorelatable. She’s come text.” Iaskwho. “I’m notpetty.” up foryour husband.’” Shepauses. “Girls inhersquadhitmeupon to get texts from my friends,Then I started ‘Good for you standing backlash tocomelikeanavalanche. “I was waiting, waiting, waiting… me ’til theday we die–andbeyond.” Shewas waiting fortheinternet counter-attack from Team Swift. “I have myfor husbandwhowillride was like, ‘You know what? Today’s too goodofaday!’ Ha!” the videothat Sunday totieinwitharelated episodeofKUWTK.“I with Swift’s claimsover a hitsong they wrote together. Kimreleased of tweets, posted aseries Calvin Harris expressinghis frustrations wouldn’t letKimgetherpaws onit. OnJuly13, Swift’s ex-boyfriend The “Famous” telephonefootagewas aroundforawhile, but Kanye could have beenanyone standingthere. itwas her.” Unfortunately He feltliketherefmadeabadcallandhewanted tospeakup, soit a badcall, speaksout. everyone InKanye’s eyes, musicishissport. the 2015Grammys. “It wasn’t abouther. ifarefereemakes Insports have beenanyone inherposition.” True, itwas later Becksixyears at At leastnotonKanye’s end. At the2009 VMAs, Kimsays it “could see herandsay, that person.’‘I’m gonnahurt No.” He definitelyoffendsalotofpeople, but it’s not malicious. Hedidn’t Kanye on the planet. has the biggest heart. He is the dopest person There was noshade. Isaid: ‘I’m gonnastandupformy husband.’ still don’t feellike Ihave. I’mbeinghonest. I’mafan. Ilikehermusic. “that bitch”. Kanye. Swiftmaintains herpleathat shedidn’t approve thewords Snapchat, re-postingsaidfootageofSwiftdiscussing “Famous” with of footageproving Swift’s pre-approval. OnJuly18, 2016, shetookto this, andcalledit “misogynist”. InJune, Kimhintedat the existence that he’d secured Swift’s approval in advance. Camp Swift denied Beyond thedo-gooding, Kanye andKimare going intobusiness “I reallywant 100%. tofigureoutwhat isinmy heart I’ve been She didn’t think twice about a potential backlash, or fear of a Kim maintainsthat there’s between Kanye no andSwift.“big beef” “You know what’s crazy?Inever publiclytalkbadaboutpeople. I I commentthat itwas aboldmove. Kimleansintowards me… the wholeworld.” she sharestheload. “If I’ve gotKanye, ifI’ve gotmy family, thenfuck now.’” There’s alotrestingonKimKardashian West’s shoulders, but but we goteachother, solet’s allmove toanislandandhave somefun ‘Girls Ihopeyou’ve saved upyour money, becauseit’s over forus— happened inmy were familyandIthoughtourcareers over. I’d say: her own fearlessness.ponders “There’s been times when things have makes itintoanepisodeofKeepingUp With The Kardashians, Kim investigate things.” Sheletsoutajollygiggle. a forensicinvestigator. That would bemy ultimate. Icanreally father ontheOJtrial. They’ve remainedclose. “Or Icouldbecome of Johnnie Cochran’s team, thedefencelawyer whoworked withher in my olderage.” She’s withamember withinterning alsoflirting had time, Ireallywanna gotolaw school–justsomethingIcando she’s down looking even the line. further “If things slow down and I must remainsecretfornow. There’s asecondupcoming “tech” projectofKim’s too–whichagain children’s clothingline”, whichthey’ve stillnotclearedthenamefor. together. They’ll belaunchinga “Saint andNorth-inspired Before we leave, intheevent andIsignareleaseform thislater As formoreconcreteideas, Kimsays shehasa10-year plan, but

Opposite page: Dress ALEXANDER WANG, tights ALEXANDER WANG, shoes FENDI, cape RETROGRADE, bra NY VINTAGE, bangle GRACE WALES BONNER at OPENING CEREMONY. This page: Opposite page: Jacket and pants JUICY COUTURE, top CÉLINE at BARNEY’S NY, shoes BALMAIN, earrings DOUBLE DISCO. This page: Jacket MIU MIU, dress VINTAGE CHLOE from ALBRIGHT Hair: Shlomi Mor / Makeup: Allan Avendano for EX1 Cosmetics at Starworks Artists, using EX1 Invisiwear Liquid Foundation, EX1 Blusher and Delete Concealer / Nails: Kimmie Kyees for Opi at Celestine Agency / Set Designer: Lauren Nikrooz / Photographer Assistant: Cody Williams Smith / 1st Fashion Assistant: Jordan Wright / 2nd Fashion Assistant: Chalis Harris / Set Designer Assistant: John Carchietta / Producer: Erica Cornwall / Thanks to Sahafi Family with Malibu Vacations, Locations and Events LLC