Using both traditional techniques and new technologies, Ripley’s Believe It or Not! has officially teamed up with Kim Kardashian once again to create a wax figure of her famous 2022 Met Gala moment.
From Red Carpet to Photogrammetry Rigs
To make the most lifelike figure possible, Ripley’s had the real Kim pose inside two photogrammetry rigs. These high-tech contraptions were used to create detailed 3D scans by taking photos of Kim from almost every angle simultaneously with dozens of DSLR cameras — 200 for the full-body shots and 73 for her face!
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While advanced technology has its benefits, Ripley’s Art Department also relied on old-school, tried-and-true methods to capture Kim’s exact likeness. Ensuring the utmost accuracy, the team took more than 100 measurements of her head and face alone! Kim also sat through the uncomfortable and time-consuming process of having a cast made of her face out of silicone and plaster.
When jokingly asked whether the molding process felt like a spa day, a silicone-covered Kim gave a resounding thumbs-down.
Kim being lathered in silicone and plaster for the molding of her face.
Molds of Kim’s body are currently in the works and will soon be brought to life with details added by Ripley’s artists, from her hair (each strand inserted individually by hand) to her makeup, manicure, and, of course, the dress.
The Ripley’s Art Department will craft yet another replica of Marilyn Monroe’s “Happy Birthday” dress, hand-sewing on nearly 2,500 crystals — just like the original.
The mold of Kim’s face – look at that detail!
Only At Ripley’s Believe It or Not!
The original dress, famously worn by Marilyn Monroe when she sang “Happy Birthday” to President John F. Kennedy and lent to Kim for her walk on the red carpet, is currently on display at Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Hollywood. There, guests can get an up-close view of this stunning garment.
Marilyn Monroe at President Kennedy’s 45th birthday celebration on May 19, 1962. Credit: Cecil Stoughton. White House Photographs. John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston.
Visitors also can get a behind-the-scenes look at Kim’s Met Gala journey, plus historic pieces of Marilyn Monroe and John F. Kennedy memorabilia.
Upon completion, Kim Kardashian’s wax figure will go on display at select Ripley’s Believe It or Not! and Louis Tussaud’s Waxworks locations around the world.
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