Kim Kardashian Says Kanye West Absolutely Changed Her Life
Kim Kardashian has opened up about her relationship with Kanye West, reflecting on how the rapper transformed her confidence, fashion sense and place in the world of high fashion.
In an excerpt from Jonathan Van Meter’s upcoming book, Citizen Kim: The Woman Who Created the Future, published by The Cut ahead of its October 27 release, the reality TV star shared her thoughts on Ye’s tendency to see potential in things others might overlook, including their relationship.
According to Kardashian, the rapper has always been drawn to the idea of taking something people do not consider cool and turning it into a cultural phenomenon.
“I realize that he loves, like, a project, right?” she told Van Meter, explaining that she believes West fell in love with both her and the idea of what they could create together.
She likened his approach to their relationship to his musical experimentation, particularly his decision to venture into singing with his 2008 album, 808s & Heartbreak, despite criticism from fans who expected him to stick to rap.
Reflecting on how West may have viewed their romance, Kardashian said, “I think he’s like, ‘Let me be with a reality star. No one respects it. I’m going to show you how cool it is.’”
Despite the challenges surrounding their relationship, she acknowledged the lasting influence he had on her life, adding, “He changed my life. He absolutely changed my life.”
Kardashian’s reflections also shed light on West’s role in reshaping her personal style and introducing her to the world of luxury fashion.
According to Van Meter’s account, West made a bold move early in their relationship by sending a team of stylists to overhaul her wardrobe. The exercise reportedly left her shoes stacked up to the ceiling as her closet was cleared and restocked with pieces from high-end fashion houses, including Givenchy, Tom Ford and Lanvin.
For Kardashian, the transformation meant more than simply wearing expensive designer clothes. It was an opportunity to learn about an industry she had previously known little about.
“I just didn’t know anything about high fashion. There were all these fashion books piled up. It was time to get to work and learn,” she recalled, adding that West gave her an enormous confidence boost.
The rapper also reportedly played a significant role in helping Kardashian gain acceptance in elite fashion circles, including reaching out to Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour to secure her a plus-one invitation to the 2013 Met Gala.
He also advocated for her to land a Vogue cover, with Kardashian’s friend Tracy Romulus acknowledging that “he fought for Kim’s place there.”
These efforts helped open doors for Kardashian in an industry where she was not always taken seriously because of her reality television background.
Kardashian and West began dating in April 2012 and tied the knot in 2014, becoming one of the most talked-about couples in entertainment.
Together, they share four children: North, 13; Saint, 10; Chicago, eight; and Psalm, seven.
However, their marriage eventually came to an end, with Kardashian filing for divorce in 2021. The divorce was finalised in November 2022.
Although their romantic relationship did not last, Kardashian’s latest comments suggest that she continues to recognise the profound influence West had on her personal development and career.
Her reflections offer a glimpse into how their relationship helped reshape her image, from reality television star to a prominent figure in the global fashion industry.
Ultimately, Kardashian’s story highlights how a relationship can leave a lasting mark long after it ends, influencing not only who we become but also how we see ourselves and the opportunities we believe are within reach.
