Kim Kardashian, founder of the shapewear and fashion brand Skims, appeared in New York City in November 2023 to celebrate the debut of a high-profile partnership between Skims and Swarovski. The reality television personality and entrepreneur attended the opening of Swarovski’s new flagship store on Fifth Avenue, where she presented one of the collection’s standout pieces during the event.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(729x279:731x281)/kim-kardashian-swarovski-celebrates-SKIMS-collaboration-110823-1-8d722393901747eabf3b6d4e9a2cf51b.jpg)
Skims x Swarovski: Launching a Luxury Fashion Collaboration
Swarovski, the Austrian crystal manufacturer known for its precision-cut luxury crystals, announced its collaboration with Skims to merge functionality with high-glamour aesthetics. The partnership was officially unveiled on November 7, 2023, in a press release published by Swarovski, confirming the launch of a limited-edition capsule collection featuring embellished garments and accessories.
According to the official Swarovski newsroom, the collaborative line incorporates Swarovski crystals into Skims’ signature designs, combining comfort-forward silhouettes with ornate, sparkling embellishments. The collection includes crystal-encrusted bodysuits, bras, skirts, and accessories, crafted to reflect both brands’ commitment to innovation and style.
Kim Kardashian’s Look at the NYC Flagship Opening
At the flagship event, Kim Kardashian wore a two-piece outfit prominently adorned with Swarovski crystals. Her ensemble included a sheer crystal mesh top and a coordinated mini-skirt, styled with a visible branded waistband. The look was completed with transparent high-heeled shoes and a sleek updo hairstyle. Kardashian’s outfit aligned with the thematic intent of the collaboration—fusing minimalism with maximalist sparkle.
Images from the event, published by Getty Images and covered by multiple fashion outlets such as Harper’s Bazaar and Vogue, captured Kardashian posing in front of a Swarovski crystal-themed backdrop. These photographs were featured in reports emphasizing the commercial and artistic significance of the collaboration.
Public Reaction and Social Media Discourse
Following the event, unfiltered photographs from the red carpet appeared on social media, prompting varied public commentary. While some users complimented Kardashian’s daring style and physical appearance, others focused on specific details in the images, such as lighting, outfit fit, and camera angles.
Online forums and social media platforms, including Reddit and Instagram, saw users discussing the authenticity of Kardashian’s images, citing perceived inconsistencies between posed and candid photos. Comments speculated about photo editing, with some highlighting natural body features such as knee alignment and leg posture. It is important to note that such opinions are subjective and often vary based on personal perception and image context.
Criticism and commentary regarding celebrity appearances are common in digital culture, especially when high-resolution, unedited media becomes widely circulated. However, discussions around body image and digital editing have also prompted broader public conversations on media literacy and responsible consumption of celebrity-focused content.
Kim Kardashian and Skims: Continued Business Expansion
The Skims x Swarovski collaboration reflects Kardashian’s ongoing efforts to position her brand at the intersection of accessible fashion and luxury. Launched in 2019, Skims has rapidly evolved from a shapewear brand into a comprehensive apparel line. It received global recognition for its inclusive sizing and design innovation. In July 2023, Skims was valued at $4 billion following a successful funding round, as reported by Forbes.
The collaboration with Swarovski adds a new dimension to the Skims portfolio by appealing to customers interested in festive and high-glamour apparel. As noted in interviews and official brand communication, the capsule is intended to highlight both form and function—transforming performance wear into red-carpet-ready fashion.
The Role of Swarovski in Fashion Innovation
Swarovski, founded in 1895, has long played a key role in haute couture and ready-to-wear fashion. Its crystals have been used in iconic designs by leading fashion houses including Chanel, Prada, and Alexander McQueen. The company has also collaborated with costume designers for major productions such as Moulin Rouge! and The Phantom of the Opera.
Under the creative direction of Giovanna Engelbert, Swarovski has pivoted toward bold and expressive contemporary design. The brand’s partnership with Skims fits into its wider strategy to expand market reach and appeal to younger, fashion-forward consumers through limited-edition collaborations.
Behind the Scenes: A Look at Creative Development
To promote the collection, Kardashian shared a behind-the-scenes video on her official TikTok and Instagram accounts. The footage featured her trying on various Swarovski x Skims pieces, including a crop top and midi skirt embedded with thousands of crystals. The content highlighted her conversation with Giovanna Engelbert and offered insights into the inspiration behind the collaboration.
These videos were widely shared and viewed across platforms, aligning with Kardashian’s broader marketing strategy that leverages direct-to-consumer engagement through social media. Visual storytelling and transparency in product development have become key elements in how modern brands build customer loyalty and drive awareness.
Summary and Takeaways
Event Purpose: Kim Kardashian attended the opening of Swarovski’s Fifth Avenue store in November 2023 to launch a collaborative collection between Skims and Swarovski.
Collection Highlights: The partnership features crystal-embellished garments that blend Skims’ comfort-first ethos with Swarovski’s signature sparkle.
Fashion Significance: The collection aligns with contemporary fashion trends that embrace maximalism, texture, and hybrid functionality.
Business Context: Skims continues to grow as a fashion brand, expanding its reach through strategic partnerships and high-visibility campaigns.
Public Response: Mixed reactions to photos from the event underscore the complexities of celebrity image perception in the digital age.
Brand Strategy: Both Skims and Swarovski are targeting newer audiences through collaborations that balance artistry and commercial viability.
References and Sources
Swarovski Official Newsroom: https://www.swarovski.com/en-US/s-newsroom/
Getty Images: Event Photos from Skims x Swarovski Launch
Forbes: Skims Valuation Report, July 2023
Harper’s Bazaar: Coverage of Kim Kardashian’s Fashion Collaborations
Vogue: Analysis of Swarovski’s Market Strategy under Giovanna Engelbert
