How Kim K’s “Santa Baby” Video Might Just Be Your Gateway Drug To One Of The Most Visionary Artists
A festive fever dream, a cult director, and a visual style that’s about to blow your mind.
It’s Christmas, and Kim Kardashian has delivered a gift no one asked for, but everyone can’t stop talking about.
As someone who spent their teenage years glued to KUWTK—back when it was all chaotic unfiltered drama—I have to admit, I’m kind of thrilled she finally dropped Santa Baby, the long-teased cover from earlier seasons.
But the reaction? Let’s just say it wasn’t exactly the festive applause Kim and Kris might have envisioned.
Cue the comments section—
Or—maybe this was their plan all along. Let’s be honest, the Kardashians have been slipping from their once-untouchable cultural pedestal for years now. Could this be their attempt at a bold, chaotic comeback? Their version of a “tape 2”? Who knows.
What I do know—controversial as it may be—is that I actually loved this film. And, for the record, my enthusiasm has nothing to do with Kim Kardashian.
Directed by the visionary Nadia Lee Cohen, the video is a fever dream wrapped in tinsel and drenched in surreal Americana. It’s sexy, unsettling, and deliciously absurd—a cocktail of Stepford Wives, John Waters camp, and 1950s kitsch, all elevated by Nadia’s unmistakable touch.
Interestingly, this isn’t the first time Kim and Nadia have teamed up—nor the first time their collaboration has drawn backlash from Kim’s fans. It’s almost amusing: while Nadia’s cult following celebrates her daring creativity, it seems the Kardashian fanbase just wants Kim to remain BBL Barbie forever. Me? I kind of… love it?
So, What’s Happening in The Video?
Kim Kardashian, sporting tousled blonde locks, a visible G-string, and an air of faux innocence, hums a sultry rendition of Santa Baby. She crawls through a pastel-hued house, acting as the camera’s anchor, leading us into a surreal and unsettling world. Along the way, we’re introduced to a cast of characters who seem plucked straight from a retro appliance advert—or perhaps an alternate reality.
The music drifts in and out as if playing from a distant stereo. The disjointed audio adds to the eerie atmosphere. It’s as intriguing as it is uncomfortable.
And then there’s the ending: a sinister Santa, revealed to be Kieran Culkin (iconic, truly), filming everything on a handheld camera. His presence adds a final, unsettling twist to the already bizarre spectacle.
It’s the kind of film that leaves you both mesmerised and uneasy. And that’s precisely the point.
Because Nadia Lee Cohen doesn’t just direct videos—she builds entire worlds. And Kim’s Santa Baby is her latest, most intriguing playground.
Who Is Nadia Lee Cohen?
If this is your first brush with Nadia’s work, welcome to the rabbit hole—the good kind.
Born in London and educated at London College of Fashion, Nadia’s rise has been nothing short of cinematic. She’s a filmmaker, photographer, and creative powerhouse whose work turns nostalgia into something sinisterly beautiful.
Her influences range from 1970s cinema to David Lynch, with a touch of Twin Peaks weirdness and Wes Anderson symmetry. But what sets her apart is her ability to infuse every frame with a story—a mix of humour, discomfort, and raw humanity.
If you think you haven’t heard of her, you’ve probably seen her. If her work or photographs of her aren’t pinned to one of your boards, I’d be surprised.
What Makes Nadia’s Work So Unique?
Her Characters Feel Alive
Nadia’s muses—often herself—are exaggerated, eccentric, and unapologetic. A satirical love letter to suburban stereotypes.Her Attention to Detail Is Obsessive
Every wig, every prop, every lipstick shade—it’s all meticulously curated to serve her vision.She Turns the Mundane Into the Magical
A laundromat becomes a stage. A diner becomes a dreamscape.She Balances Glamour and Grit
Nadia’s aesthetic might be glossy, but there’s always something slightly “off” that keeps it grounded in reality—or just on the edge of unsettling.
While Kim Kardashian’s video might be the catalyst, Nadia Lee Cohen is the true star.
For years, her work has been celebrated by the art and fashion worlds, yet she’s somehow remained under the radar for mainstream audiences.
Until now.
Yes, I’m jealous. The wider world is about to discover Nadia, and suddenly, her work will be everywhere—your boards, your Instagram feed, and every fashion campaign worth its salt. But more than that, I’m excited. Because Nadia isn’t just a director. She’s a visual storyteller, an icon in the making, and the kind of artist who reminds you why creativity matters.
Where to Start: A Nadia Lee Cohen Starter Pack👛
Her Photography Book: Hello, My Name is. A meticulously curated collection of images where she transforms herself into fictional characters, each brought to life with Nadia’s signature cinematic style. A must-have for any lover of visual storytelling.
“It started with a collection of name badges. I was gathering loads of them and didn’t really know why, aside from that I liked them aesthetically. The more unusual the tag the better. ‘June Rogers, Square dance organiser’ is a firm favourite, though June didn’t actually make it into the book. Anyway, each time I found a new one I just naturally imagined what the person who once owned it might have looked like. Until one day I thought, ‘Wouldn’t it be nice to actually see these people?’ So I started the project.”
Read her interview about it here.
To celebrate the book, Brittany Porter, Nadia’s go-to Production Designer, designed a dry-cleaning conveyor and an airport baggage carousel installation, showcasing the clothing and personal objects of the 33 fictional characters from Nadia’s world. Such a cool concept to promote a book.
Advert: Playboy, 2020—A provocative short film that reimagines the iconic Playboy aesthetic through Nadia’s surreal, satirical lens.
Olivia von Halle Campaign: A dreamy collaboration that combines Nadia’s cinematic vision with the luxurious elegance of Olivia von Halle’s designs. The campaign reimagines opulence through a surreal, retro-futuristic lens, depicting a distorted suburbia inspired by Edward Scissorhands.
“I wanted to achieve the feeling of secrecy in a suburban setting. The shoot was centred around the idea of gossip in a small town. I wanted these women to have anxious, concerned expressions and exert a general concern with what the other women might be saying about them.”
Music Videos: A$AP Rocky’s Babushka Boi – It’s weird, wild, and totally unforgettable.
Nodding to A$AP Rocky’s recent conflicts with the law, the short opens with a blue police van filled with anthropomorphised pigs, who are also incidentally, policemen. A derisive hint to the rapper’s experiences, the film follows the animalistic brigade of law enforcers chasing Rocky and his entourage through Nadia’s signature velveteen lens.
Her Photography Book: Women – A stunning, strange, and satirical series of portraits. My boss actually gifted this to me this year✨
So, consider this article your early Christmas present from me to you: the gift of discovery.
Kim K’s Santa Baby might be the hook, but Nadia Lee Cohen is the real story. Dive in, explore her world, and prepare to be inspired, unsettled, and completely obsessed.
Thanks for reading! Bisous!💋
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Controversial is what art is about for some people. I love Nadia and Kim is controversial as well already. Her entire foundation of what made her famous is controversial- i love the pairing and can't wait to see more
We loooooove Nadia!!!!!