Kim Kardashian's Skims has built a reputation for partnering with some of the biggest names in fashion, from Fendi and Dolce & Gabbana to Nike and The North Face. Those collaborations have helped cement the shapewear and lifestyle brand as one of the industry's most influential labels, with a reported valuation of $5 billion.
However, Skims' latest fashion collaboration takes a different approach. Rather than joining forces with another established luxury house, the brand has chosen to spotlight VETTESE, an emerging Italian-American fashion label founded by designer Kari Vettese. While the name may not yet be familiar to many shoppers, the designer has already earned admiration from celebrities and industry insiders alike.
Who Is Kari Vettese?
Kari Vettese launched her eponymous label, VETTESE, in 2022. Although relatively new to the fashion scene, the designer has quickly attracted attention for her distinctive creations, blending sculptural silhouettes with contemporary femininity.
Her designs have already appeared on several high-profile celebrities, including Charli XCX, Kylie Jenner, Madonna, Lady Gaga, and Tyla. Such celebrity endorsements have helped establish VETTESE as one of fashion's rising labels, even if it has remained somewhat under the radar compared to larger luxury brands.
The designer reached another milestone in February 2025, when VETTESE was featured on the CFDA Fashion Calendar during New York Fashion Week for the first time. The appearance introduced the label to a wider audience and reinforced its growing credibility within the fashion industry.
Skims Continues To Expand Its Fashion Influence
Since launching in 2019, Skims has evolved from a shapewear company into a global fashion powerhouse. Initially recognised for inclusive sizing and body-conscious essentials, the brand has steadily expanded into loungewear, swimwear, menswear and limited-edition collaborations.
Its previous partnerships with internationally recognised fashion houses and sportswear brands have consistently generated strong demand, often selling out within hours of release. Those collaborations have also demonstrated Skims' ability to bridge luxury fashion with everyday wear.
The decision to collaborate with an emerging designer instead of another established label signals a slightly different creative direction. Rather than relying solely on household names, Skims appears to be investing in fresh talent while introducing its customers to designers they may not have previously encountered.
A Capsule Collection Generating Early Buzz
Although details surrounding the capsule collection remain relatively limited, early reactions have been overwhelmingly positive.
Fashion observers have already described the collaboration as one of Skims' most exciting capsule collections to date, praising the combination of the brand's signature minimalist aesthetic with VETTESE's more artistic design approach.
Capsule collections have become increasingly popular within the fashion industry because they offer limited-edition pieces that often feel more exclusive than standard seasonal releases. For brands such as Skims, these collaborations also create excitement among existing customers while attracting entirely new audiences.
Why This Collaboration Matters
For Kari Vettese, partnering with one of the world's fastest-growing fashion brands represents a significant milestone.
Collaborations with globally recognised companies often provide emerging designers with international exposure that would otherwise take years to achieve. Given Skims' enormous customer base and social media reach, the partnership is likely to introduce VETTESE to millions of potential shoppers around the world.
For Skims, the collaboration reinforces its reputation as a brand willing to embrace innovation rather than simply repeating familiar formulas. While collaborations with luxury giants undoubtedly attract headlines, supporting an up-and-coming designer demonstrates confidence in new creative voices.
The move also reflects a wider trend across the fashion industry, where established brands increasingly seek fresh perspectives through partnerships with independent designers.
The Growing Appeal of Emerging Designers
Consumers have shown growing interest in discovering new fashion labels rather than exclusively purchasing from heritage luxury houses. Social media platforms, celebrity styling and fashion weeks have made it easier than ever for emerging designers to gain recognition on a global scale.
Designers like Kari Vettese often benefit from celebrity exposure before becoming household names. As more high-profile figures choose to wear independent labels on red carpets and at major events, public awareness naturally follows.
This shift has created opportunities for talented designers to secure collaborations with established brands much earlier in their careers than was previously possible.
Looking Ahead
While Skims has built its reputation through blockbuster collaborations with globally recognised brands, its latest partnership with Kari Vettese demonstrates that innovation can also come from emerging talent.
The collaboration offers a platform for VETTESE to reach a broader international audience while giving Skims customers something refreshingly different from previous releases. As the designer continues to gain recognition following appearances at New York Fashion Week and celebrity endorsements, this partnership could mark another important step in her growing career.
For fashion enthusiasts, the collection represents more than just another celebrity-backed launch. It highlights how emerging designers are increasingly shaping the future of modern fashion, proving that the industry's next major creative force may already be waiting in the wings.
