Kim Kardashian, a name synonymous with modern glamour and trendsetting fashion, recently found herself at the center of a viral social media trend, but not for her usual figure-hugging attire. Photos of Kardashian in long, modest, yet strikingly beautiful dresses have taken the internet by storm, leading some to affectionately dub her “Pilgrim Kim.” This unexpected photoshoot has been reimagined in hilarious and relatable memes, sparking curiosity about the backstory behind these images.
These captivating pictures have become a sensation on platforms like TikTok, often accompanied by Ethel Cain’s melancholic track, “A House in Nebraska.” As the meme’s popularity exploded, many fans began to ask: When were these photos taken? And why is Kim Kardashian wearing these unexpectedly demure dresses?
Indeed, the snapshots are undeniably gorgeous, showcasing a softer, more pastoral aesthetic. However, these “cottagecore” dresses stand in stark contrast to Kardashian’s typically bold and revealing style. So, what’s the real story behind this “Pilgrim Kim” persona?
Unveiling “Pilgrim Kim”: The Story Behind the Meme
Contrary to recent social media buzz, these photos are not new. Kim Kardashian is not entering a “meemaw era.” The “Pilgrim Kim” phenomenon actually originates from a 2008 photoshoot for CR Fashion Book, a prestigious fashion publication founded by Carine Roitfeld. In the 13th issue, Kardashian was featured as the “Pioneer Woman,” a concept brought to life by Roitfeld, the iconic former editor-in-chief of Vogue Paris. Roitfeld, a highly influential figure in the fashion world, envisioned and styled this unique shoot.
The photoshoot, captured through the lens of photographer Jackie Nickerson, presented the SKIMS founder in a series of elegant pioneer-style dresses set against the backdrop of picturesque farmland. Makeup artist Mario Dedivanovic opted for a natural makeup look, complementing the homespun charm of the attire. This covered-up, almost pastoral version of Kim Kardashian is a world away from her usual glamorous image, making it ripe for meme creation and playful internet commentary.
But how did Ethel Cain’s music become intertwined with “Pilgrim Kim”?
The Ethel Cain Connection: “A House in Nebraska”
The association of “Pilgrim Kim” with Ethel Cain’s “A House in Nebraska” stems from the song’s atmospheric and emotionally resonant qualities. The track is part of an album deeply rooted in Southern Gothic themes, exploring topics such as poverty, abuse, addiction, loss, and transgenerational trauma. This album, Preacher’s Daughter, is the creation of Ethel Cain, a stage persona adopted by musician Hayden Silas Anhedönia. Ethel Cain serves as a character through which Anhedönia crafts the album’s narrative and sonic landscape.
Anhedönia’s musical influences are drawn from gospel, country, and alternative genres, reflecting her upbringing in a Southern Baptist family in Florida. Her father was a deacon, and she was actively involved in the church choir during her childhood. These formative experiences undoubtedly shaped the themes and style of her music, which in turn resonate with the nostalgic and slightly melancholic feel of the “Pilgrim Kim” images.
The artist herself has acknowledged the connection between her music’s aesthetic and the “Pilgrim Kim” meme, noting instances where fans have embraced a “pilgrim” style at her shows. This blend of high fashion imagery, unexpected modesty, and Southern Gothic undertones has created a unique and captivating internet phenomenon in the “Pilgrim Kim” meme.
