Reality television icon and business mogul Kim Kardashian captivated her vast social media audience this week with a series of alluring photographs showcasing the latest offerings from her immensely successful shapewear brand. The provocative images, shared with her 353 million Instagram followers, have ignited conversations about celebrity influence, body confidence, and the relentless pursuit of fame.
A Sultry Display for SKIMS
On Wednesday, the 45-year-old entrepreneur presented a trio of striking poses, modelling a dark brown lace lingerie set from her SKIMS collection. The ensemble, comprising a bra and thong, was complemented by a matching lace-trimmed robe, creating a cohesive and visually arresting look. Kardashian's physique was prominently featured, highlighting her toned abdominal muscles and figure.
Her beauty regimen was impeccably executed, with enhanced lashes, a soft pink blush, and glossy lipstick accentuating her features. Her signature raven-black hair was styled with a centre parting, falling in straightened locks over her shoulders. The post was captioned simply with "xoxo, @skims" accompanied by heart emojis, directing attention squarely to the brand.
The SKIMS Empire and Celebrity Endorsements
This promotional activity aligns with SKIMS' established strategy of leveraging high-profile personalities to market its products. The brand, originally launched under the name KIMONO in 2019, has seen astronomical growth and is currently valued at an estimated $5 billion. Just this week, the company announced K-Pop superstar Lisa as the face of its new NikeSKIMS Spring '26 Collection, further cementing its celebrity-driven appeal.
The Nike collaboration itself, debuted by Kardashian in September, represents a significant expansion into activewear. Described on the SKIMS website as "a complete system of activewear solutions designed to sculpt and engineered to perform," the line offers a range of styles with matte or shiny finishes, airy silhouettes, and weightless layers. Price points vary from $48 for bras to $168 for a onesie, with accessories like yoga mats, dri-fit socks, training gloves, and gym bags completing the collection.
Kardashian celebrated the launch with a star-studded event in New York City, though the venture was not without controversy. Actress Nathalie Kelley publicly criticised the reality star for utilising synthetic materials in the products, highlighting ongoing debates about sustainability in fast fashion.
Candid Confessions on the Quest for Fame
In a revealing departure from her curated social media persona, Kardashian recently offered a glimpse into the calculated beginnings of her celebrity status. During an appearance on her sister Khloe's podcast, Khloe In Wonder Land, she confessed to orchestrating paparazzi stunts during the early years of Keeping Up with the Kardashians (2006-2009).
"[Fame] is all I wanted. I lived for it," the mother-of-four admitted, describing herself as "desperate" for recognition during that period. She recounted a specific anecdote involving her close friend, influencer Jonathan Cheban. Upon learning the New York City hotel where pop icon Britney Spears was staying, the pair secured a ride in a Rolls-Royce Phantom from an acquaintance met at dinner.
"We were like, 'We'll sit in the back.' So, it looks like we got out with a driver at this hotel. [There were] paparazzi everywhere waiting for Britney at her hotel," Kardashian detailed. After a theatrical exit from the luxury vehicle, they were immediately questioned by photographers assuming a visit to Spears. Following Cheban's advice to remain silent, they ducked into a hotel lobby phone booth for twenty minutes, having no actual connection to the location.
"We come out [of the hotel], and they're like: 'Kim, how was Britney? Kim, how was Britney?'" she continued. The duo then departed inconspicuously in a taxi, having successfully fabricated a newsworthy narrative. "We totally scammed the system. And it was like on every [magazine] cover. And we thought we were killing it," Kardashian reflected, illustrating the performative nature of early 2000s celebrity culture.
This candid revelation provides a stark contrast to the polished imagery of her SKIMS campaign, painting a fuller picture of the ambition and strategy that underpins one of the world's most recognisable personal brands. The interplay between her past manipulations for media attention and her current status as a billionaire mogul leveraging that very attention for commercial success forms a compelling narrative about modern fame.
