Kris Jenner and Yolanda Hadid Channel Dynasty: A Glamorous 80s Rivalry Reimagined for Harper’s Bazaar

The worlds of high fashion, reality television royalty, and iconic 1980s soap opera drama magnificently collide as two of Hollywood’s most influential matriarchs, Kris Jenner and Yolanda Hadid, spectacularly recreate legendary scenes from the beloved series, Dynasty. In a dazzling and fiery new photoshoot for Harper’s Bazaar, these powerhouse moms step into the glittering, shoulder-padded shoes of the show’s most formidable foes, Alexis Carrington Colby and Krystle Carrington. Dressed in breathtaking, 80s-inspired fashion, Jenner and Hadid embody the intense rivalry and unparalleled glamour that defined a generation, offering a nostalgic yet fresh take on a television classic.

A Battle of the Momagers: Modern Matriarchs Embrace Classic Rivalry

It’s an undeniable clash of titans, but with a glamorous twist. Kris Jenner, the architect behind the Kardashian-Jenner empire, and Yolanda Hadid, the guiding force behind the supermodel careers of Gigi and Bella Hadid, are renowned as the ultimate modern matriarchs. Each has meticulously cultivated a dynasty of her own, shaping the entertainment and fashion landscapes through their strategic guidance and unwavering support for their children. It is this inherent power and influence that makes their latest collaboration so fitting and compelling.

Published on September 19, this striking new photoshoot orchestrated by the esteemed fashion publication Harper’s Bazaar, captures Jenner and Hadid in an entirely new light, as they transform into members of television’s most iconic feuding family. The concept for the magazine’s October issue was to bring the opulence and drama of the 1980s prime-time soap opera, Dynasty, back to life through the lens of two contemporary figures who command similar levels of public fascination and admiration.

Kris as Alexis, Yolanda as Krystle: Embodying 80s Television Legends

The transformation is nothing short of spectacular. Kris Jenner, at 63, masterfully embodies the ruthlessly cunning and impeccably stylish Alexis Carrington Colby, originally portrayed by the inimitable Joan Collins. Alexis, a character synonymous with scheming, ambition, and a flair for dramatic confrontations, found her ultimate rival in Krystle Carrington. Yolanda Hadid, 55, steps into the role of the elegant, compassionate, yet equally resilient Krystle Carrington, famously brought to life by Linda Evans. The dynamic between these two characters was the beating heart of Dynasty, defined by their fierce battles for power, love, and status within the affluent Carrington family.

The photoshoot painstakingly recreates several of the show’s most memorable and outlandish scenes, capturing the essence of their celebrated rivalry. Both veteran momagers are adorned in glittering gowns, resplendent with the era-defining shoulder pads that became a symbol of 80s power fashion. Their ensembles, meticulously designed to reflect the show’s opulent aesthetic, add an extra layer of authenticity and glamour to the homage. The imagery showcases them in several intense, dueling photos, each bursting with the dramatic flair characteristic of Dynasty. One particularly eye-catching shot depicts them locked in a fully clothed struggle within a luxurious swimming pool, perfectly echoing one of the show’s most infamous and often parodied physical altercations. Another powerful image captures the two women in a heated argument, dramatically poised over the balcony of a lavish mansion, symbolizing the constant tension and verbal sparring that defined their on-screen relationship.

These visuals not only pay tribute to the show’s iconic moments but also cleverly draw parallels between the fictional world of the Carringtons and the very real, often dramatic, lives of celebrity matriarchs. The choice of Kris and Yolanda for these roles is particularly astute, given their own prominent positions as heads of highly visible and influential families, making them perfect modern counterparts to the larger-than-life characters of the 80s.

Yolanda Hadid (L) and Kris Jenner (R) portray enemies, Krystle and Alexis Carrington from the 1980s soap opera, ‘Dynasty’ for the October 2019 issue of ‘Harper’s Bazaar’. (Photo credit: Morelli Brothers)

Beyond the Rivalry: Friendship, Family, and Female Empowerment

While their on-screen personas are locked in a timeless feud, the reality of Kris Jenner and Yolanda Hadid’s relationship is refreshingly different. In the accompanying interview for Harper’s Bazaar, it becomes clear that these two formidable women are far from enemies. In fact, the Kardashian-Jenner and Hadid families share a deep-rooted friendship within the competitive landscape of Hollywood. This bond is largely cemented by their respective model daughters, Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid, who not only frequently collaborate on high-profile fashion campaigns and runway shows but also cherish a genuine, close friendship off-duty. Yolanda articulated this connection beautifully, stating to the magazine, “There’s a bond there between the families.” This real-life camaraderie provides a delightful contrast to the fierce animosity they portray, highlighting the depth of their acting and the cleverness of the photoshoot’s concept.

Beyond the glamour and dramatic recreations, the proud mothers took the opportunity to delve into a more profound topic: the vital importance of women empowerment and mutual support. In a world often perceived as competitive, especially within the celebrity sphere, their message resonates strongly. Yolanda Hadid emphasized this philosophy, sharing, “Women need to support each other, not fight.” She further imparted wisdom she frequently shares with her own children, advising, “Be kind and acknowledge everybody around you. People might not remember your beautiful face, but they’ll remember your beautiful heart.” This sentiment underscores a core value of empathy and human connection, encouraging a shift from rivalry to solidarity.

Kris Jenner echoed this powerful message, adding her own perspective on the responsibility that comes with influence. “As a woman, I think it’s important to shine a bright light on other women,” she asserted. This statement from two women who have navigated and conquered their respective industries with remarkable success serves as a potent reminder for women everywhere to uplift and champion one another. Their collective voice advocating for sisterhood and support adds a meaningful layer to an already captivating feature, transforming it from a simple fashion spread into a commentary on modern female relationships and empowerment, bridging the gap between fictional drama and real-world values.

Kris Jenner (L) and Yolanda Hadid (R) portray enemies, Krystle and Alexis Carrington from the 1980s soap opera, ‘Dynasty’ for the October 2019 issue of ‘Harper’s Bazaar’. (Photo credit: Morelli Brothers)

The Enduring Legacy of Dynasty: A Generational Divide

While both Kris Jenner and Yolanda Hadid confessed to being ardent fans of the original Dynasty series, holding vivid memories of its weekly airings, the same cannot be said for some members of their famous brood. This generational gap provides a humorous and relatable insight into how pop culture phenomena evolve and are perceived across different eras. Dynasty, which ran from 1981 to 1989, was a cornerstone of 80s television, defining an era with its extravagant plots, high-stakes drama, and groundbreaking fashion. Its influence on popular culture was immense, yet for younger generations, its historical significance can sometimes be lost.

Kris Jenner recounted an amusing anecdote from the set of the photoshoot, illustrating this very point. She recalled receiving a call from her daughter, Kim Kardashian, mid-shoot. Excitedly, Kris gushed about being dressed as the notorious villainess, Alexis Carrington, expecting a similar level of enthusiasm from her daughter. However, Kim’s reaction was notably subdued, almost nonchalant. “Mom, I’m sorry. I don’t know who that is,” Kim candidly admitted to Kris. This moment, both humorous and telling, perfectly encapsulates the shift in pop culture references between generations. While Kris was channeling an icon, Kim, born towards the end of Dynasty‘s original run, simply wasn’t familiar with the show’s immense cultural footprint.

Despite Kim’s unawareness, Kris Jenner eagerly shared her fond memories of when Dynasty first graced the small screen. “I remember when Dynasty first aired,” she reminisced. “I watched every episode. Two women getting down and dirty, throwing each other in the pool? It was hugely entertaining.” Her words paint a vivid picture of the show’s undeniable appeal and its ability to captivate audiences with its audacious storylines and larger-than-life characters. The pool fight, in particular, became an emblematic scene, showcasing the show’s commitment to over-the-top drama.

Yolanda Hadid shared a similar sentiment, describing Dynasty as a pivotal viewing experience from her youth. “It was the first American TV show I ever watched,” she gushed. “I must’ve been 15 or so, and I was like, ‘Oh, my God! The women in America are so glamorous.’ And Krystle was my favorite. It’s really funny that I get to play her.” For Yolanda, Dynasty offered a mesmerizing glimpse into American high society and glamour, particularly through the eyes of the elegant Krystle. Her personal connection to the character and the show adds another layer of depth to her portrayal, making the experience even more special and full of nostalgic resonance.

Glamour, Legacy, and Modern Influence: Why This Photoshoot Resonates

The Harper’s Bazaar photoshoot featuring Kris Jenner and Yolanda Hadid as the iconic characters from Dynasty is more than just a fashion editorial; it’s a vibrant celebration of enduring glamour, generational influence, and the powerful legacies these women embody, both in fiction and in reality. It skillfully merges the extravagant aesthetic of the 1980s with the contemporary allure of today’s most recognizable celebrity figures. The Morelli Brothers, known for their ability to capture striking celebrity portraits, once again delivered breathtaking images that are both high-fashion and deeply evocative.

This feature highlights the timeless appeal of a show like Dynasty, demonstrating how its themes of power, family dynamics, and dramatic rivalries continue to resonate. It also underscores the significant cultural impact of Kris Jenner and Yolanda Hadid, who, like the Carrington women, have built powerful empires and remain fixtures in the public eye. Their willingness to embrace humor, nostalgia, and a message of female empowerment within such a glamorous context makes this photoshoot a truly memorable and significant piece of celebrity journalism.

Ultimately, the feature stands as a testament to the enduring power of storytelling, whether through television screens or magazine pages, and the fascinating ways in which past and present icons can converge to create something fresh, entertaining, and profoundly relevant. It reminds us that while trends may change and generations shift, the allure of powerful women, intricate family sagas, and dazzling glamour remains an undeniable force in our collective imagination.