Move over, traditional lucky cats and golden toads. There is a new symbol of prosperity dominating the Chinese internet, and it wears oversized sunglasses and a power suit.

In an unexpected cross-cultural phenomenon, American reality TV matriarch Kris Jenner has become the face of a viral "manifestation" trend sweeping through Chinese social media platforms like Xiaohongshu (Little Red Book), Weibo, and Douyin.  

The "Empress Dowager" of Wealth

Across the Chinese digital landscape, Jenner has been bestowed with a formidable new nickname: "The Empress Dowager." The trend involves users changing their profile pictures to a specific headshot of Jenner—often one where she looks particularly poised or "expensive." For China’s Gen Z, the image isn’t just a meme; it’s a digital talisman. By adopting her likeness, users believe they are "manifesting" Jenner’s legendary business acumen, relentless work ethic, and, most importantly, her bank account.  

"I changed my profile picture to Kris Jenner today, and my mom already transferred money into my bank account," joked one user on Xiaohongshu. "I don't know if it's magic, but I feel like I'm slaying."  

From "Doctor Kris" to "Programmer Kris"

The trend has evolved beyond simple profile swaps. Netizens are now using AI and Photoshop to "localise" Jenner, creating a multiverse of "Professional Krises" to suit their specific career goals:  

"Doctor Kris" for medical students hoping to pass exams.

"Office Kris" for corporate climbers seeking a promotion.  

"Construction Kris" (complete with a hard hat) for those in engineering.  

Digital culture analysts suggest the trend resonates because it blends self-deprecating Gen Z humor with a genuine respect for Jenner’s "hustle." In a fiercely competitive job market, Jenner represents the ultimate "boss" who turned a family name into a multi-billion-dollar empire.  

A Global Response

The phenomenon has not gone unnoticed by the "Momager" herself. After Chinese-Mandarin creator Marcelo Wang highlighted the trend on TikTok, Jenner leaned into the viral moment, commenting: "You're ALL doing amazing, sweetie!"—a nod to her iconic catchphrase from Keeping Up with the Kardashians.  

This endorsement has only fueled the fire, with the hashtag related to the trend garnering over 50million views.