In a groundbreaking collaboration that combines luxury and comfort, SKIMS, the shape-wear and loungewear brand founded by Kim Kardashian in 2018 and currently valued over $3 billion, partnered with Swarovski, jewelry and home company renowned for its crystals, to create a collection that redefines loungewear glamour. Swarovski creative director Giovanna Engelbert announced the collaboration had been in the works for a year and a half. She was drawn to SKIMS as it’s a female-led brand that “shares the same values—empowerment of women and self-expression and unapologetically being yourself and having the right to present yourself to the world however you want”. At its core, the collaboration is about empowering women through fashion. This is the first time Swarovski has ever worked with another brand to create clothing available to shop in its stores. By combining Swarovski’s stunning crystals with SKIMS’ inclusive approach to design, the collection celebrates diversity and self-expression; embracing women of all shapes and sizes, inviting them to indulge in the luxurious world of self-care and confidence.
Kim Kardashian’s Vision
In an exclusive interview, Kardashian expressed her excitement about the collaboration, emphasizing her vision to merge luxury with practicality. She aimed to create pieces that empower women to feel confident and glamorous in their everyday lives. By incorporating Swarovski crystals into SKIMS’ signature silhouettes, the collection seamlessly transitions from day to night, offering versatility without compromising on style. From cosy loungewear sets to figure-flattering shape-wear, each piece is meticulously crafted to provide both comfort and luxury. Whether it’s a crystal-adorned robe, a bedazzled bodysuit or bra cup chain, the collection offers a range of options designed to elevate everyday essentials. The collection also features handmade body jewelry pieces made with over 400 stones in total with each piece taking between 200 and 300 hours to complete.
Engelbert’s inspiration for the collection was Swarovski’s Millenia necklace, worn by Taylor Swift in her ‘Bejeweled’ music video. The newly released body jewelry uses octagon-cut crystals on long chains to create a piece resembling a glistening harness. The crystals were designed to change in appearance depending on the wearer’s skin tone: “It’ll highlight the bodies—all different kinds of bodies.”
A Celebration of Sparkle
To celebrate the launch, SKIMS and Swarovski hosted a star-studded event at Swarovski’s new 5th Avenue and 54th Street boutique. The soirée was a glittering affair, attended by celebrities and influencers including Georgia May Jagger, Gwyneth Paltrow, Ashley Graham and Emma Roberts all beautifully dressed in dazzling creations from the collaboration.
The bold colored boutique was decorated from top to bottom with silver and sparkles featuring a mirror maze entrance, before guests were greeted with champagne and lychee martinis. Inside the event, guests were able to admire the collection with the lights reflecting off every mirrored, crystal surface possible creating a magical disco ball effect.
Kim Kardashian, dressed head to toe in a custom crystal couture piece, arrived in a fabulous crystal embellished New York Taxi. The entire car was covered in gems including a ‘Kim K’ vanity plate and custom designed top sign. As she exited, the photographer’s flashes reflected off the crystals creating a memorable entrance for her launch to celebrate the success of her sparkling project, beautiful collection and applauded collaboration.
