Fans were surprised to see Kim Kardashian featured in the trailer for “In Vogue: The 90s,” a new six-part docuseries on Hulu that explores the most significant moments in fashion from the 1990s through the lens of Vogue magazine. With iconic fashion figures like Sarah Jessica Parker, Naomi Campbell, and Claudia Schiffer participating, many questioned why Kardashian, who wasn’t a fashion icon during that decade, was included in the series.

The backlash against Kardashian’s appearance stems mainly from her lack of presence in the fashion world during the 1990s. Kim Kardashian rose to fame much later, becoming a household name with the debut of her family’s reality show, “Keeping Up With the Kardashians,” in 2007. Even then, her entry into the fashion world was significantly influenced by her ex-husband Kanye West, who helped transform her style.

Despite the fan confusion, Kardashian’s involvement in the docuseries seems to be a result of her strong relationship with Anna Wintour, Vogue‘s editor-in-chief. An insider source shared with The Sun that Kardashian’s appearance in the series was at Wintour’s invitation. Over the years, Kardashian has built a solid and loyal relationship with Wintour, leading to multiple Vogue cover appearances, beginning in April 2014 with Kanye West.

The insider further clarified that Kardashian did not lobby to be part of the series; instead, she was invited and chose to participate without any compensation, showing her loyalty and willingness to support Wintour’s projects.

Including Kim Kardashian in “In Vogue: The 90s” also aligns with Hulu’s broader strategy to cross-promote content featuring the Kardashian-Jenner family. With their show “The Kardashians” being a flagship series for Hulu, it makes strategic sense to feature Kardashian in other Hulu offerings. This crossover is evident in other instances, such as Kris Jenner’s appearance on “The Golden Bachelor” and the guest appearances by personalities like Gerry Turner on “The Kardashians.”

Although some fans are not thrilled about Kardashian’s role in the docuseries, it appears she will primarily offer commentary on fashion from her perspective as a major figure in today’s celebrity culture rather than as an influencer from the 1990s. This decision underscores the evolving nature of the fashion industry and the significant impact of pop culture personalities in shaping modern style trends.

Whether or not fans agree with Kim Kardashian’s inclusion in the upcoming docuseries, her appearance highlights her influence in contemporary fashion and her close ties with one of the industry’s most powerful figures, Anna Wintour. “In Vogue: The 90s” will premiere on Hulu on September 13, and viewers can watch the series to see how Kardashian and other fashion icons of today reflect on the trends and culture of the 1990s.