Kim Kardashian (Albert Michael/startraksphoto.com)
Replicas of Kim Kardashian’s wedding dresses designed by Vera Wang will still be sold to the mass market at David’s Bridal — despite fears the dresses are “cursed” by Kim’s disastrous 72-day marriage.
The dresses, based on the three gowns Kim ordered for her big day Aug. 20, are well into production, “and it is too late to stop,” sources tells us. But they couldn’t get them out before Kim filed for divorce from Kris Humphries on Monday. They are due in stores in February.
Insiders say even Wang was thrown by the sudden split. A source close to the designer said, “Vera cultivated the relationship with the Kardashians years ago. Everyone was taken for a ride on this one.” Another source said, “Some on the sales side worry the dresses are cursed.”
The collection includes a “Kim-inspired tulle ball gown” similar to her dress for the ceremony, and a “mermaid gown” from the reception.
When we asked if the replica dresses would be ripped from the collection, David’s Bridal executive VP Brian Beitler told us, “The entire White by Vera Wang spring 2012 collection will be available exclusively at David’s Bridal stores next season.”
A rep for Wang had no comment, but insiders say that despite being surprised by the divorce, she isn’t distraught, as other doomed celebrity marriages have resulted in strong sales. Wang-designed dresses for Jessica Simpson’s marriage to Nick Lachey and Mariah Carey’s wedding to Tommy Mottola are still top requests.
After filing for divorce, Kardashian fled to Australia to promote her handbag line. But Humphries is “in the process of figuring out how to return wedding gifts to their guests,” said a friend, who added he doesn’t want the $2 million Lorraine Schwartz-designed engagement ring back: “He’s a gentleman. He would not ask for the ring back. Gifts that he gave to Kim were out of love.”