Kim Kardashian’s Iconic 2020 Halloween Costumes: A Deep Dive into Her Tiger King & Joker Transformations
Halloween, the most anticipated holiday for costume enthusiasts, always brings out the creative best from celebrities. In 2020, amidst a global landscape that yearned for distraction and entertainment, Kim Kardashian once again proved her reigning status as a Halloween queen. The entrepreneur and reality television star, renowned for her elaborate and trend-setting ensembles, fully embraced the holiday spirit, unveiling not one, but two spectacular family costumes well before October 31st. These early reveals set the tone for a Halloween season filled with pop culture homage and undeniable family fun, solidifying her reputation for going all out.
The Keeping Up With The Kardashians star, then 40 years old, kicked off the celebrations early with her beloved children: North West, 7; Saint West, 4; Chicago West, 2; and Psalm West, 1. Together with her then-husband, Kanye West, 43, Kim transformed her family into characters from the year’s most talked-about Netflix sensation, and later surprised fans with a striking mother-daughter duo. These carefully curated looks not only showcased her dedication to Halloween but also highlighted the playful dynamic within her growing family.
The Phenomenon of ‘Tiger King’: Kim Kardashian as Carole Baskin
The year 2020 was undeniably marked by the global phenomenon that was Netflix’s docu-series Tiger King. Released during the early days of lockdown, the bizarre and captivating story of exotic animal park owners, particularly Joe Exotic and his rival Carole Baskin, captivated millions worldwide. It was a cultural moment, and Kim Kardashian, ever attuned to the zeitgeist, chose it as her primary family costume theme for Halloween. The choice was not only topical but also perfectly executed, demonstrating her knack for turning pop culture into high-fashion costume art.
Kim transformed into none other than Carole Baskin, the controversial big cat rescuer. Her attention to detail was impeccable, capturing Baskin’s signature look with startling accuracy. Kim sported a long, flowing blonde wig, reminiscent of Baskin’s distinctive hairstyle, adorned with a vibrant flower crown. This floral accessory became a hallmark of Carole Baskin’s on-screen persona, symbolizing her perceived connection to nature and big cats. Her outfit was completed with a leopard print, button-up shirt, a choice that echoed Baskin’s love for animal prints and her association with the wild.
But Kim wasn’t alone in this elaborate group costume. She was joined by her children, who charmingly portrayed Carole’s beloved “kittens” – dressed as adorable tiger cubs. Each of her four youngsters embraced their roles with painted faces, delicate whiskers, and tiger-striped outfits, turning them into a cuddly, wild ensemble. From North’s playful roar to Psalm’s innocent cub face, the children’s involvement brought an extra layer of authenticity and cuteness to the overall theme. This cohesive family effort was not just a costume; it was a mini-theatrical performance, bringing the characters of “Tiger King” to life.
Adding another layer of perfection to the group, Kim’s longtime friend and frequent costume partner, Jonathan Cheban, stepped into the shoes of the eccentric Joe Exotic. Cheban’s portrayal was uncanny, featuring a striking blonde mullet wig, a meticulously groomed handlebar mustache, and a sparkling blue top that channeled Exotic’s flamboyant and often sequined wardrobe. He completed the look with a cowboy hat and faux piercings, encapsulating the chaotic energy of the “Tiger King” himself. Together, Kim and Jonathan, along with the adorable tiger cubs, created a truly unforgettable and hilariously accurate homage to the cultural phenomenon of 2020. This ensemble quickly went viral, delighting fans and media outlets alike, showcasing Kim’s ability to perfectly capture the moment.
Kim graciously gave her Instagram followers a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the creation of these “wild” costumes. She shared snippets of her youngest, Psalm, having his face meticulously painted to transform him into a tiny tiger cub. Whispering “Are you a tiger?” to her baby boy, Kim’s maternal affection shone through, before she snuggled him close and gave him sweet kisses. The process videos highlighted the fun and effort that went into preparing for the holiday, making the final reveal even more impactful. Later, in a selfie video, she teased her audience, asking, “All right guys, can you guess who I am for Halloween this year?” before angling the camera to fully display her incredible Carole Baskin transformation. The anticipation among her followers was palpable, and the reveal did not disappoint.
The excitement of the “Tiger King” crew was further captured in a dynamic clip shared online. “Let’s go find them tigers,” Jonathan (as Joe Exotic) could be heard yelling with dramatic flair, prompting one of Kim’s eager kiddos to shout back, “I’m right here!” This playful interaction, which highlighted the children’s engagement in the theme, quickly transitioned to show Kim surrounded by all four of her precious tiger cubs, perfectly decked out in their Halloween best. This initial family costume was an absolute triumph, signaling that fans were indeed in for a treat, with no tricks, for the remainder of the Halloween weekend.
See the full “Tiger King” family costume on Instagram!
Kim and North West Transform into Striking Jokers
Just when fans thought the Halloween spectacle might be over, Kim surprised everyone with a second, equally captivating costume. This time, she shared the spotlight with her eldest daughter, North West, for a powerful mother-daughter twinning moment. Debuted on her Instagram Story on October 30th, the day before Halloween, Kim revealed her and North’s matching ensembles: a dark and edgy interpretation of the iconic Joker character. This look showcased a different facet of their creativity, veering from the campy fun of “Tiger King” to something more artistically unsettling.
“Me and my Northie, we’re twins,” Kim stated in a selfie video, clearly beaming with pride. What made this costume even more special was North’s active participation in its creation. “North picked this costume. You picked your makeup you did your own makeup,” Kim highlighted, emphasizing North’s burgeoning artistic flair and independent spirit. The seven-year-old’s involvement added a heartwarming and authentic touch, showing that the love for creative expression runs deep in the family. Kim then affectionately added, “How gorgeous is my North,” before the pair shared a mischievous smile, North revealing chocolate-covered teeth for an extra touch of playful spookiness.
Their costumes were a masterclass in gothic chic. Both Kim and North rocked black and white check-print tops with a high neck, a design that evokes a classic, yet slightly twisted, aesthetic often associated with jesters and villains. The makeup, however, was the true standout. They both sported exaggerated black eyeliner in a sharp diamond shape underneath their eyes, a stark contrast against their skin. The most dramatic feature was the elongated, exaggerated black smile drawn across their faces, creating an eerie yet artistic interpretation of the Joker’s grin. This intricate and striking look was a testament to their dedication to character, proving that even a “simple” two-person costume could leave a lasting impression.
Kim Kardashian: A Reigning Queen of Halloween
These two unforgettable costume reveals from 2020 only further cemented Kim Kardashian’s status as a true Halloween icon. Her commitment to the holiday goes far beyond just throwing on an outfit; it’s an annual tradition of crafting elaborate, often pop-culture-inspired, transformations that captivate her massive audience. Whether it’s embracing a couple’s costume with her partner or her best friend Jonathan, or meticulously planning her children’s entire ensembles, Kim approaches Halloween with an unparalleled level of creativity and enthusiasm. Over the years, she has wowed fans with looks ranging from iconic musicians like Cher, Aaliyah, and Selena Quintanilla, to whimsical family themes like the Flintstones, always ensuring every detail is perfectly executed.
Her impact on Halloween trends is undeniable. Each year, her costume choices inspire countless others, influencing everything from store-bought outfits to intricate DIY projects. The “Kardashian effect” extends to Halloween, making her reveals some of the most anticipated moments of the season. More than just celebrity spectacle, these costumes offer a glimpse into her playful side and her dedication to creating magical moments for her children. For the West family, Halloween is clearly a cherished event, a time for imaginative play and unforgettable memories.
The 2020 Halloween celebrations, highlighted by the elaborate “Tiger King” family costume and the striking mother-daughter Joker duo, were a resounding success. They were a perfect blend of topical relevance, intricate detail, and heartwarming family involvement. As we reflect on Kim’s past Halloween triumphs, we eagerly anticipate what future years will bring. With her unwavering commitment to creativity and flair, Kim Kardashian truly remains one of the undisputed queens of Halloween, promising more spectacular transformations for years to come. Happy hauntings, indeed!