It could be a coincidence, but last week we received the novel The Artist by Lisa K. Stephenson. The story follows a young woman who is asked to enter a PR relationship to help save her best friend’s public relations firm. When I first heard about the book, I assumed it would be a typical romance. Girl gets set up with a guy, the relationship is fake, they fall in love, and so on. I was wrong. I won’t spoil anything here, but it was a great read with some genuinely funny moments.
After finishing it, I logged onto X and came across a discussion about the relationship between Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner. One user responded to an Instagram photo she posted by saying, “A rebrand is necessary for him at this point. His current image as a stepfather to a rapper’s children is failing to resonate with his audience.”
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Books like The Artist, even though it is fiction, really put things into perspective when it comes to Hollywood relationships and the concept of “image.” PR relationships are nothing new. They have existed for decades, and more recently, Lori Harvey has even been labeled an “industry girlfriend,” allegedly. But what exactly is this “image,” and how does the right relationship shape it?
When we think of Timothée Chalamet, we picture the boy next door, an up-and-coming Leonardo DiCaprio, an icon in the making. Kylie Jenner, on the other hand, was introduced to the public largely through association, primarily with Kim Kardashian. Kardashian’s rise was also controversial, so while the family has built massive success, the question remains: what are they primarily known for?
The pairing of Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner feels almost strategic. Before their relationship, Chalamet was not widely known among her audience. His fan base already existed, but aligning with Jenner, who comes from a highly visible and often controversial family, significantly amplified his exposure. But is it true that all press is good press? Maybe not. After Michael B. Jordan secured an Oscars win and Chalamet’s comments about ballet resurfaced, he became more open to criticism and scrutiny. Some fans now hope he will abandon the “bad boy” persona, distance himself from Jenner, and adopt a more polished image. They envision him with someone like Sabrina Carpenter, whose brand is seen as more aligned with his.
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Kylie Jenner is not inherently problematic, but she is a mother of two children with a rapper, which, for her, is completely valid. Her family positioned themselves within Black culture early on, which influenced their audience, aesthetic, and public identity. More recently, however, there has been a noticeable shift. Changes in appearance, branding, and relationships suggest an effort to realign with a different audience.
This realignment might not have been an issue for Jenner if she did not have children. Kendall Jenner, on the other hand, has remained untethered and can easily be associated with just about anyone across industries. She also has a defined career and has been named one of the highest-paid supermodels of her generation. That type of association benefits someone like Chalamet, whereas his connection to Kylie seems more rooted in her personality and the dynamic they share.
Image in Hollywood is often underestimated, but here is another example of its importance. Jay Ellis, the actor who plays Lawrence in the pro-Black HBO series Insecure, rarely appeared publicly with his then-partner, now wife, Nina Seničar, during the show’s run. At the time, his fan base consisted largely of Black women, and seeing a Black male lead on a culturally specific show dating a non-Black woman in real life could have been viewed as controversial. Since then, he has taken on smaller roles, but none that have propelled him into major superstardom.
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The entertainment industry is highly strategic, especially among its elite. Does Chalamet need to end his relationship with Jenner? No. But would it benefit her to establish a stronger identity outside of her family and build a career that stands on its own? Absolutely. It seems others may share this perspective. Kylie Jenner recently covered Vanity Fair, a major publication closely tied to film and Hollywood. In the interview, she said, “I’ve actually gotten a few scripts, nothing that I feel is right yet, but I 100 percent want to do more. I really like comedy. I think I’m good at it. Maybe next time I talk to you, I’ll be the lead of an action movie.”
Nothing in Hollywood happens by accident. Her appearance on the cover, paired with her comments about acting, could signal the early stages of a film career. That shift would not only reshape her public image but could also reflect positively on her relationship, especially if long-term commitments are being considered. Fans should never dictate who public figures choose to love. However, in an industry driven by money and perception, these dynamics do carry weight. When audiences feel that a partner does not align with the image of a rising or admired star, public sentiment can shift quickly. Regardless, the two appear genuinely happy, and when Jenner steps into film, we will be watching closely as she enters her next chapter.
From She's SINGLE Magazine, Danielle Wright covers partnerships, focusing on brand alignment, strategic collaboration, and the business of visibility. Her work explores how meaningful partnerships are formed and sustained, offering insight into the relationships that drive growth, influence, and long-term positioning.
