Kim Kardashian's Skims: A Billion-Dollar Brand with 14 Leg Cutouts

Kim Kardashian's Skims, valued at $3.2 billion, has secured a spot on TIME100's Most Influential Companies of 2023 list. As the founder of this highly sought-after shapewear label and the fit model for its underwear line, Kardashian graces the cover of the latest issue. The captivating cover photo, taken by Dana Scruggs, will be available on newsstands starting June 23. Staying true to her signature style, the 42-year-old celebrity is seen wearing formfitting ensembles, a neutral color scheme, and daring cutouts that often spark conversations.

For this particular shoot, Kardashian dons a latex Skims bodysuit paired with sleek leather gloves. However, her all-black outfit becomes even more daring with the addition of a croc-effect maxi skirt featuring a staggering 14 cutouts that elegantly accentuate her hourglass figure. Each cutout is adorned with an oversized buckle, framing every sliver of exposed skin along the side. Completing the ensemble, she wears textured, pointed-toe booties and opts for a striking makeup look, featuring a heavily lined lip, golden-brown eyeshadow, and peach blush. Her dark, sleek hair is styled with a center part and ends softly curled. In another photo, Kardashian poses alongside a group of models wearing Skims' sculpting midthigh bodysuits in various shades, which pays homage to the brand's origin. As she shared with Time, her idea for Skims initially stemmed from her struggle to find shapewear that matched her skin tone. She used to dye her shapewear with tea bags and coffee in the bathtub to achieve the desired color.

The feature also includes an interview with Jens Grede, CEO and co-founder of Skims, discussing his collaboration with Kardashian. Grede announces the upcoming launch of the men's underwear collection, slated for release later this year in the fall. The collection will be targeted towards athletes and musicians, further expanding the brand's reach. Grede emphasizes the importance of having a distinct worldview and a clear aesthetic as a successful creative director in today's industry. He confirms that Kardashian excels in these aspects, highlighting her ability to intimately understand popular culture. As an example, she personally cast Ice Spice in a Skims campaign after her daughter North introduced her to the rapper. Additionally, Kardashian's meticulous attention to detail is evident as she estimates having tried on over 7,000 items to ensure they align with her personal sense of style—an aspect that her fans have come to appreciate. Through these efforts, she maintains the business integrity and ethos of Skims, solidifying her status as a reality TV star-turned-entrepreneur.