On December 12, 2024, Kim Kardashian’s shapewear empire, Skims, unveiled its highly anticipated flagship store in New York City, marking a monumental moment for the brand. Located on Fifth Avenue, the store launch was celebrated with an extravagant opening party, drawing in celebrities, fashion influencers, and media icons who turned out in dazzling leopard-print ensembles to honor the brand’s recent collaboration with Dolce & Gabbana.
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The evening was more than just a store opening — it was a declaration of Skims’ evolution from an online shapewear retailer to a fashion powerhouse. The event combined bold style, star power, and the vibrancy of Fifth Avenue, cementing Skims’ position as a major player in both retail and pop culture.
From Online Success to Fifth Avenue Prestige
The new flagship store at 647 Fifth Avenue represents a significant milestone for Skims. Once the home of Versace, the location has been transformed into a modern retail haven by acclaimed designer Rafael de Cárdenas. Featuring custom mannequins designed to reflect diverse body shapes, the store’s design encapsulates Skims’ ethos of inclusivity and empowerment. Surrounded by prestigious neighbors such as Cartier, Nike, Zara, and Uniqlo, Skims is taking its place among the fashion elite.
In an exclusive interview with WWD, Kim Kardashian reflected on the milestone:
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“It really is such a proud moment. When we started Skims, we obviously had high hopes, but I never thought of retail and how that would look.… We were very focused on direct-to-consumer and everything online. So a Fifth Avenue store exceeds all of the expectations that I had.”
This bold leap into the world of physical retail follows Skims’ meteoric rise, fueled by a series of strategic collaborations and viral moments that have redefined shapewear and lingerie for a new generation.
Skims x Dolce & Gabbana: A Bold Partnership
The flagship’s opening night also served as a celebration of the brand’s recent collaboration with Dolce & Gabbana. Launched in November, the Skims x Dolce & Gabbana collection features a range of bold and sultry styles, including silk sleep sets, lace-up corsets, sheer dresses, and lingerie adorned with the iconic leopard-print that defines Dolce & Gabbana’s aesthetic.
The collection blends Skims’ commitment to comfort and inclusivity with Dolce & Gabbana’s legacy of glamour and drama, creating pieces that are both luxurious and wearable. The collaboration has been a hit, with fans and fashionistas alike praising its daring designs and sensual appeal.
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A Night of Star-Studded Leopard-Print Fashion
The event turned Fifth Avenue into a leopard-print runway, with celebrity attendees donning standout pieces from the Skims x Dolce & Gabbana collection. The guests included music icons, fashion influencers, and industry heavyweights, each showcasing their own take on the bold theme.
Cardi B: A Showstopper in Skims
The ever-bold Cardi B was a vision in a dramatic leopard-print trench coat layered over a Skims bodysuit. She paired the look with matching heels and fishnet tights, exuding confidence and style. Known for her daring fashion choices, Cardi B has been a longtime supporter of Skims, having starred in the brand’s Cotton Collection campaign in 2023.
Paris Hilton: Timeless Elegance
Paris Hilton brought her signature glamour to the event, wearing a silky sheer skirt and a body-con top from the Skims x Dolce & Gabbana collection. She completed her look with a luxurious fur coat, embodying a chic, old-Hollywood vibe. Hilton’s outfit exemplified the collection’s ability to merge sophistication with bold design.
Ice Spice: Corset Chic
Rising rap star Ice Spice embraced the collection’s boldness with a lace-up corset that highlighted her confident persona. Her look was equal parts daring and fashionable, perfectly in line with the evening’s theme.
June Ambrose: Sleek and Sultry
Fashion director and style icon June Ambrose opted for a silky sheer catsuit, adorned with leopard print. The figure-hugging design was a masterclass in blending sensuality with elegance, showcasing the versatility of the Skims x Dolce & Gabbana line.
Rami Bader: Hollywood Glamour
Rami Bader turned heads in a chiffon silk dress featuring a thigh-high slit. Paired with a black fur shawl, her look paid homage to vintage Hollywood, proving that leopard print can be both timeless and contemporary.
The Cultural Impact of Leopard-Print
Leopard-print has long been a symbol of boldness, power, and individuality in fashion. From high-fashion runways to pop culture, the pattern has become synonymous with confidence and risk-taking. The decision to center the opening night’s theme around this iconic motif not only celebrated the Dolce & Gabbana collaboration but also reflected the daring spirit of Skims itself.
From Viral Campaigns to Flagship Success
Skims has built its reputation on innovation and inclusivity. The brand’s collaborations have become major cultural events, as evidenced by its recent partnership with The North Face. That collection sold out in just five minutes, generating $5.4 million in media exposure within 48 hours, according to data from Launchmetrics.
The Fifth Avenue flagship represents a natural next step in Skims’ evolution. With its success in online retail, strategic partnerships, and celebrity endorsements, the brand is now poised to make its mark in brick-and-mortar retail.
Designing the Future of Retail
The flagship store’s design emphasizes Skims’ commitment to creating a welcoming space for all customers. With custom mannequins in various body shapes and a sleek, modern aesthetic, the store is as much an expression of the brand’s philosophy as it is a retail space. The Fifth Avenue location isn’t just about selling products; it’s about creating an experience that aligns with Skims’ mission of empowering individuals to feel confident and comfortable in their own skin.
Kim Kardashian’s Vision for Skims
From its inception, Skims has been driven by Kim Kardashian’s vision of redefining shapewear. Starting as an online-only retailer, the brand quickly gained traction for its innovative approach to lingerie, shapewear, and loungewear. Its success lies in its ability to bridge gaps in the market, offering products that are both functional and fashionable.
The Fifth Avenue flagship is a testament to how far the brand has come. Speaking to WWD, Kardashian expressed her excitement for the future:
“Retail was never the initial focus, but seeing the response and demand for Skims, I knew it was time to take that next step. Opening a store on Fifth Avenue is a dream come true.
With the opening of its Fifth Avenue flagship, Skims has solidified its status as a global fashion powerhouse. The event not only celebrated the brand’s achievements but also set the stage for an exciting future in retail and design.
As the store opens its doors to the public, it promises to be more than just a place to shop — it’s a destination, a statement, and a celebration of fashion’s power to inspire and empower. Skims is not just reshaping shapewear; it’s reshaping the future of fashion.
