SKIMS: A Journey of Innovation and Inclusivity in Fashion
When Kim Kardashian launched SKIMS in 2019, it marked the beginning of a journey that would see the brand rise to prominence in the underwear and loungewear industry. With a diverse range of colors and sizes, SKIMS quickly gained popularity and expanded into loungewear, swimwear, and even announced a men's line. Collaborations with the United States Olympic team, Fendi, Cactus Plant Flea Market, and Nike further solidified SKIMS' position in the market.
The brand's journey began in June 2019 when Kardashian introduced her shapewear line, initially named "Kimono." However, due to controversy surrounding cultural appropriation, the brand was quickly renamed SKIMS in August of the same year. The official launch in September 2019 featured a collection of various shapewear pieces that catered to a wide range of sizes and skin tones, setting the stage for SKIMS' success.
In February 2020, SKIMS made its retail debut by partnering with Nordstrom, offering its inclusive range of sizes and shades to a wider audience. The brand's growth continued with pop-up experiences in Los Angeles and Paris in 2021, collaborations with Team USA for the Summer 2021 Olympics, and a partnership with Fendi that resulted in a sold-out collection.
In 2022, SKIMS expanded into swimwear and was valued at $3.2 billion. The brand's influence was further recognized when it was named one of the top 100 most influential companies by Time. SKIMS' innovation and commitment to inclusivity were acknowledged with the CFDA Innovation Award in 2022, setting the stage for further success.
SKIMS continued to make waves in 2023 with the launch of its activewear line and a funding round that valued the company at over $4 billion. The introduction of SKIMS Men and the viral campaign for the Ultimate Nipple Bra further solidified the brand's position in the market. Collaborations with Swarovski, Dolce&Gabbana, and Nike showcased SKIMS' versatility and appeal to a diverse audience.
With partnerships with the NBA, WNBA, and USA Basketball, SKIMS cemented its status as a culturally influential brand. The brand's collaboration with Swarovski and Dolce&Gabbana, as well as the launch of its flagship store in New York City, further showcased its growth and impact in the fashion industry.
The announcement of the NikeSKIMS brand in 2025 marked a new chapter for SKIMS, merging Nike's sports technology with SKIMS' focus on the body through training apparel, sneakers, and accessories. With a star-studded campaign featuring athletes like Serena Williams and Sha'Carri Richardson, SKIMS continues to push boundaries and redefine the fashion landscape.