If we’ve learned anything about Kimberly Noel Kardashian over the years, it’s that she’s always two steps ahead of us, ready to surprise and strike with awe. Her ability to ride the waves of culture, in both her triumphs and tribulations, and still come out on top is unparalleled. It’s no surprise, then, that her juggernaut of a shapewear brand, Skims, has reached heights very few celebrity brands have, with a current valuation of $4 billion. The reality star and entrepreneur has changed the game for what undergarments mean in the 21st century, and now Skims is expanding even further—into wearable jewelry and shimmering ready-to-wear with a first-of-its-kind collaboration with Swarovski.
The collaboration also marks a new era for the legendary Austrian brand, known primarily for its crystals. Under creative direction by fashion industry icon Giovanna Engelbert, Swarovski has gained new fans through her expressive uses of color, shape, and form, reaching younger audiences and bringing the company firmly into the future—which, it turns out, is crystal-bright: Swarovski is planning to open its newest flagship on Fifth Avenue in New York City just in time for the holidays, spanning two floors and over 14,000 square feet. “The store concept was part of my original vision for the brand, and it’s so rewarding to see it come to fruition at the highest scale as our largest flagship to date,” Engelbert tells ELLE.com exclusively. “I am so proud to see the universe of Swarovski represented on the most iconic street in New York—merging our brand’s incredible history with that of the city’s and bringing both into the future with the store’s modern feel.”
Of course, the partnership with Skims presents an opportunity for Swarovski to reach an even larger audience with its technical prowess and undeniable shine. “Jewelry has no limitations—its possibilities for self-expression are not confined by age or size—and partnering with Skims has brought that philosophy to new categories with our body jewelry and vast array of intimates, bodysuits and dresses,” Engelbert adds. The body-hugging net dresses in particular, stoned within in an inch of their lives, and intimates, including bodysuits, bras, and underwear, are available in sizes XS–4XL.
In between this exciting launch and running her multiple businesses, ELLE.com spoke with Kardashian about her latest venture, what Swarovski means to her, and who she’s dying to see wear it.
How did the collaboration between Swarovski and Skims come about?
The collaboration was a natural pairing and dream for me, as I’ve always been a Swarovski girl. The Swarovski crystals and the glamour of the brand make me feel so happy, and I hope our customers feel the same way when wearing the collection. Merging jewelry design and ready-to-wear is something I’ve always wanted to do, so pairing Swarovski’s expertise in crystals and jewelry and Skims’ innovative fabrics made total sense.
Do you remember your first piece of Swarovski jewelry?
I’ve had Swarovski figurines and crystals my whole life. Whenever I use crystals, they’re always Swarovski. To this day, my kids even get me the Swarovski figurines for Mother’s Day, because they know how much I love the crystals and shine.
What’s your favorite piece from the collection?
I don’t have one favorite piece, because I love the head-to-toe Swarovski x Skims looks that can be created from layering the ready-to-wear that’s covered in hundreds and hundreds of crystals with the intimates and the body jewelry. My favorite from the campaign was when we styled the classic Skims cotton fabric intimates under the sparkly stretch net dress and body jewelry. I love pairing the sportier cotton pieces with the sparkle and extravagance of the dress drenched in crystals with jewelry.
If you could see anyone in this collab, who would you want to wear it and why?
Our customers! They always excite and surprise me with how they style Skims in unexpected ways. The Swarovski x Skims collaboration is so versatile and is designed for creating layered looks, so I really am excited to see how our customers provide a new take on the collection and style their own reimagined looks.
The Swarovski x Skims collaboration will be available to shop online at swarovski.com starting November 7, and in pop-up stores nationwide. Prices range from $88–$3,000.
Kevin LeBlanc is the Fashion Associate at ELLE Magazine. He covers fashion news, trends, and anything to do with Robyn Rihanna Fenty.