Kim Kardashian's SKIMS Can Now Make This Impressive Claim
Kim Kardashian's SKIMS line has come a long way. Remember, at first the collection of intimate apparel and shapewear came under fire for cultural appropriation when the reality star named it Kimono, with Kardashian telling The New York Times this was "a nod to the beauty and detail that goes into a garment." But people took offense to the TV personality's choice, and backlash ensued, with Kardashian eventually relenting and changing the name of the line to SKIMS (via WWD).
With that controversy behind her, Kardashian soon grew SKIMS to become a $1.6 billion business (via The New York Times). Cosmopolitan calls its Core Control Thong the number one piece of shapewear on the market. And now, the brand born in backlash has ascended to a new honor.
Believe it or not, SKIMS is now the official underwear of the Olympic Team according to The New York Times. Well, we didn't know there was an official underwear of the games, but hey, it's pretty impressive nonetheless.
The SKIMS partnership with the Olympics holds a lot of meaning for Kim Kardashian
Kardashian shared the news of her partnership with the Olympics on her Instagram, which to date boasts 232 million followers. For comparison, only 26.5 million people in the U.S. watched the opening ceremonies of the 2016 Olympic Games (via Statista).
In any event, the reality diva, whose net worth was $1 billion at last count according to Forbes, wrote in her announcement post, "Ever since I was 10 years old, I've heard every single detail about the Olympics from my stepdad. As I would watch the athletes compete, I would grow to understand the dedication and honor being a part of the Olympics embodied."
She went on to share, "I traveled w my stepdad and family to all different cities for the Olympic trials, the Olympics and track meets of @caitlynjenner's and at every stop I would buy an Olympic t-shirt as a souvenir." Kardashian continued, "When I received the call inviting Skims to be a part of @TeamUSA every moment I've spent admiring the strength and energy of the Olympians from the sidelines came full circle."
Kardashian concluded her announcement, which was coupled with photos of athletes wearing her collection, "I am honored to announce that @skims is designing the official team USA undergarments, pajamas and lounge wear for the athletes this year in Tokyo and the same pieces will be available in a capsule collection at SKIMS.COM."