Calabasas, CA — If you thought sibling rivalry was a thing of childhood, you’ve never met the Kardashians. Just days before Kourtney Kardashian’s milestone 40th birthday, a behind-the-scenes fashion feud with sister Kim Kardashian nearly derailed the entire celebration and left both sisters in tears, trading insults, and questioning the meaning of family.

The Fight That Started It All

It all began, as these things often do in Kardashian world, with a phone call gone wrong. Kim, always the perfectionist and self-proclaimed style icon, was in the middle of prepping for her own Met Gala looks when she discovered Kourtney was pulling pieces from the very same designers — and even the same custom looks — that Kim had worked months to secure. “She just is such a [expletive], like on another level,” Kim vented to her team, recounting how Kourtney screamed at her on the phone, “You think I like your style? You have the lamest style!”

What started as a spat over clothes quickly spiraled into a deeply personal war of words. “You’re going to school to become a lawyer and help the world, and these are the kinds of problems you have?” Kourtney shot back, mocking Kim’s humanitarian ambitions. Kim, never one to back down, accused Kourtney of being a “fake humanitarian hoe,” and the sisters exchanged some of the harshest texts in KUWTK history. “You’re really a miserable human being,” Kourtney texted. “You keep not understanding the issue because you all of a sudden turn into such a humanitarian and talk about the world’s issues, which you’ve not contributed one ounce to the world.”

The Style Showdown

Despite the drama, the show — and the birthday party — had to go on. Kourtney, feeling overwhelmed by the pressure of turning 40, was still struggling to find the perfect birthday dress. “I want to look like the best ever,” she confessed. “I think you just can’t go mediocre.” Kim, ever the critical eye, was invited over to help with the fitting, but nothing seemed to please her. “Nothing is special,” Kim declared, shooting down every option. “You look like Grandma. 100%. I don’t even know what this style is.”

Kourtney, feeling the sting, confided to the cameras, “This is so typical Kim to just hate on every single look that I have and tell me that everything is ugly. She doesn’t have to be so hurtful, especially when I’m so overwhelmed.”

The tension was palpable as Kim continued to accuse Kourtney of copying her style, recounting how Kourtney’s stylist pulled custom Rick Owens pieces and even tried to source looks from Thierry Mugler — the same designers Kim had spent months building relationships with. “Why would Kourtney want the same exact look that I’ve worn?” Kim wondered aloud. “She was with me at the CFDA Awards. She knew it was custom.”

A Family Divided

As the sisters’ feud escalated, it spilled over to the rest of the family. Khloé, always the peacemaker, tried to get the sisters to call a truce, reminding Kim that Kourtney was feeling especially emotional about turning 40. “She’s obviously going through some emotional distress,” Khloé pleaded. “Can you just be nice until we’re over this hump?”

But the wounds ran deep. Kourtney, in tears, admitted she didn’t even feel like celebrating her own birthday anymore. “I just really don’t feel like myself right now,” she sobbed. “At this point, I just want to go away somewhere and be alone.”

The family was set to attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Robert G. Kardashian Center for Esophageal Health at UCLA, a cause close to their hearts in honor of their late father. Despite the tension, the sisters put on brave faces for the cameras and the public, but the rift lingered beneath the surface.

A Surprising Olive Branch

In a rare moment of vulnerability, Kim realized the toll the feud was taking on her sister. After seeing Kourtney break down in tears over a sentimental Disneyland parking lot sign gifted by their mother, Kim decided it was time to extend an olive branch. “I have the most perfect dress that you can wear for your party,” Kim told Kourtney, offering her a vintage Gianni Versace chain mail and fishnet dress that Donatella Versace herself had sent over.

Kourtney, surprised and grateful, accepted the peace offering. “This dress from Kim is sexy and chic and just perfect,” she said, modeling the dress for the cameras. “It’s the right choice for the night. I agree, I think it’s definitely her peace offering, and I’m willing to accept.”

The Party Goes On

Despite the emotional rollercoaster, the night of the party finally arrived. The venue was transformed into a “grown and sexy” wonderland, filled with candles, friends, and family. Chloe’s planning was flawless, and even Kim admitted she just wanted Kourtney to have a great time. “I just hope she likes the vibe and she has a really good time, and that the party is not a letdown or a disappointment.”

Kourtney, still feeling the weight of turning 40, found comfort in the love and support of her family and friends. “My life might not be exactly where I pictured it to be, but I have so much more than I ever imagined,” she reflected. “You can start a new chapter of your life at any time. There’s no limits, and age shouldn’t be limiting.”

The night ended with dancing, laughter, and a surprise performance by Robin Thicke. For a family that’s weathered countless storms in the public eye, this birthday bash proved that, at the end of the day, love and forgiveness always win.

The Takeaway

The Kardashians have never been afraid to show the messy, complicated reality of family life — and this episode was no exception. From brutal honesty to tearful reconciliations, Kim and Kourtney’s journey from rivalry to reunion is a reminder that even the most glamorous families have their moments of self-doubt and insecurity. But with a little empathy, a lot of patience, and maybe a killer Versace dress, anything is possible.

Stay tuned for more Kardashian drama, only on Keeping Up With the Kardashians.