If you look back at 2007, the world was a very different place. Low-rise jeans were everywhere, everyone was obsessed with the BlackBerry, and a family called the Kardashians had just launched a reality show that most critics said wouldn't last a single season. Fast forward to 2026. The landscape has shifted so much it’s almost unrecognizable. We aren't just watching them on TV anymore; we’re wearing their clothes, drinking their tequila, and using their skincare every single morning.
The Kardashians then and now comparison isn’t just about better lighting or more expensive handbags. It’s about a total fundamental shift from being "famous for being famous" to owning the very infrastructure of the industries they once only occupied as guests.
The Dash Era: When Things Were Almost Normal
Back in the early seasons of Keeping Up with the Kardashians, the plotlines were... well, they were kinda small. Remember Dash? That boutique in Calabasas where Kim, Kourtney, and Khloé would argue over floor displays and employee drama? That was the business. It was a physical store with inventory and hangers.
Honestly, the "then" version of the family was constantly hustling for any deal they could get. They did appearances at marshmallow-themed parties and endorsed everything from weight loss shakes to prepaid debit cards (remember the Kardashian Kard? That was a disaster).
Compare that to today. In 2026, Kim isn't just a face for a brand; she’s a titan. Her brand SKIMS is currently eyeing a massive global expansion, with plans to open 15 standalone stores in international markets like Israel this year. We went from a boutique in a strip mall to a company valued at roughly $4 billion. That’s not just growth. That’s a total reimagining of what a reality star can actually do.
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Style Evolution: From Bandage Dresses to Balenciaga
You've probably seen the old photos. The 2011 red carpets were a sea of animal print, heavy concealer, and those thick under-the-bust belts that everyone seemingly agreed were a good idea at the time. Their style back then was "more is more." It was the era of the Sears Kardashian Kollection—affordable, accessible, and very 2010s.
Now? The aesthetic is surgical. It's minimalist. It's high-fashion.
- Kim's Era: She moved from the "Kanye-makeover" years of Givenchy and neutral tones into a space where she basically is the fashion. Whether it's a 2021 Met Gala look that covered her entire face or her current vibe which mixes archival vintage with her own SKIMS lounge pieces, she’s setting the trends rather than chasing them.
- Kylie's Shift: Kylie went from the 2015 "King Kylie" blue hair and Lip Kit era to a much more refined, quiet luxury look in 2026. Her business has matured too. While the Lip Kits made her a household name, she’s now focusing on things like Kylie Baby and expanding the skincare line.
- Kendall's Lane: Kendall is the outlier who actually stuck to a traditional career path, becoming one of the highest-paid supermodels in the world. But even she pivoted into the family business model by launching 818 Tequila, which is now a dominant player in the spirits industry.
The Business of Being a Kardashian in 2026
If you want to understand the Kardashians then and now, you have to look at the numbers. They’ve moved away from the "influencer" model where they get paid to post about other people's products. Now, they are the house.
Kim Kardashian’s net worth is sitting at approximately $1.7 billion as of early 2026. A huge chunk of that isn't from the show—it’s from SKIMS and her rebranding of her beauty lines into SKKN. She actually bought back the stake she sold to Coty recently to bring everything under the SKIMS umbrella. That’s a boss move. It shows she wants total control.
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Then you have Khloé. For years, she was the "funny sister" or the one the tabloids were cruel to. Now, she’s the co-founder of Good American, a brand that basically forced the denim industry to take inclusivity seriously. They won’t even sell to retailers unless the store agrees to carry the full size range. That’s real power. Her net worth is around $65 million, which might seem "small" compared to Kim, but she’s built a legacy that’s arguably more respected in the fashion world for its ethics.
The Momager Legacy
None of this happens without Kris Jenner. People joke about the "devil works hard but Kris Jenner works harder," but in 2026, we’re seeing the results of her 20-year plan. She’s now 70 and still managing the 15+ family businesses. She transitioned the family from E! (cable TV) to Hulu/Disney+ (streaming), which was a genius move. Why? Because streaming data is way more valuable than cable ratings. They know exactly who is watching and what those people are buying.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Pivot
There’s a common misconception that they’re "fading." People have been saying that since 2012. But the "now" version of the Kardashians doesn't need 10 million people to watch their show every week. They just need their core audience to keep buying the $600 nine-step skincare routines or the $40 bras.
The move from Keeping Up With The Kardashians to the Disney+ series The Kardashians changed the vibe. The old show felt like a sitcom. The new show feels like a corporate documentary with some family drama sprinkled on top. They aren't trying to be relatable anymore. They're showing you the lifestyle so you'll buy a piece of it.
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The "Now" Checklist: How They Stay Relevant
If you're looking at why they haven't been "canceled" or disappeared, it's because they adapted to the 2026 digital economy better than almost anyone else:
- Vertical Integration: They own the factories, the distribution, and the marketing (their own Instagram accounts).
- Strategic Rebranding: When KKW Beauty felt dated, Kim shut it down and waited until she could relaunch it exactly how she wanted.
- Market Expansion: They aren't just in the US. They are opening physical storefronts in London, Tel Aviv, and Paris this year.
- Family Unity: Despite the divorces and the public fights, they never let a business venture fail because of a personal feud. The brand always comes first.
Moving Forward with the Kardashian Blueprint
The real lesson from the Kardashians then and now isn't about how to get famous. It’s about how to use attention as a currency. They took the most volatile thing in the world—celebrity—and turned it into hard assets like real estate and multi-billion dollar companies.
If you're looking to apply their logic to your own career or brand, stop looking for the next "viral" moment. Instead, look at how you can own the platform you’re standing on. Don't just be the talent; be the person who owns the talent’s contract.
Next Steps for the Obsessed:
To really see the difference, go back and watch Season 1, Episode 1 of the original show on Hulu, then immediately watch the latest episode of the 2026 season. Notice the lighting, the way they speak to the camera, and most importantly, what they're wearing. You’ll see that they aren't even the same people anymore—they’re a global corporation.