London Fashion Week’s emphasis on bold and alluring designs was amplified by an exclusive event hosted by SKIMS. Co-founders Kim Kardashian and Jens Grede unveiled their first international standalone store on Regent Street, marking a significant global expansion for the shapewear and intimates brand.
SKIMS Grand Opening Gala Electrifies London's Regent Street
On a vibrant Friday evening, the city of London pulsed with excitement as luminaries from the music, film, and fashion industries gathered to fête the grand opening of the SKIMS flagship store. The prestigious guest list included musical talents such as Central Cee, Troye Sivan, Tems, Kim Petras, and Rose Gray, alongside actress Ellie Bamber, model Alton Mason, and renowned designers Kim Jones and Ludovic de Saint Sernin. Esteemed figures like Sha’Carri Richardson, Tolami Benson, and Emma Grede also graced the occasion. Many attendees transitioned directly from the London Fashion Week front rows, eager to join Kim Kardashian for this momentous celebration, despite the impending third day of shows.
Guests poured into the elegant venue at 245-247 Regent Street, where they were treated to a delightful array of refreshments, including classic and lychee martinis, bespoke SKIMS-branded burger sliders, and decadent soft-serve ice cream. Model and DJ Kim Turnbull set the mood with an electrifying playlist of pop and R&B hits, though the enthusiastic buzz of conversation often rivaled the music. Throughout the evening, guests explored the store’s offerings, perusing racks laden with SKIMS’s signature apparel and intimate wear, and captured memories in a specially designed SKIMS photobooth. The festivities seamlessly continued into an intimate dinner, featuring a refined three-course menu of Waldorf salad, roasted chicken with fries, and a rich chocolate mousse adorned with almond and hazelnut praline.
This event marked Kim Kardashian’s inaugural visit to the London store, which had its initial soft launch in July. For this special occasion, Kardashian opted for a striking ensemble: Ludovic de Saint Sernin’s “Mermaid Bi Dress.” The flesh-toned leather garment expertly sculpted her silhouette, featuring a grommet-studded bodice and a high lace-up slit that hinted at a delicate sheer underlay. This choice was particularly fitting, foreshadowing her upcoming collaboration with Saint Sernin, scheduled for October 1st, which promises to blend SKIMS’s foundational shapewear with the designer’s distinctively alluring, party-ready aesthetics. Later in the evening, she transformed into a sculpted chocolate brown corset, complete with belted and tie-up details, paired with a stylish hip-skimming maxi skirt.
Inside the flagship, attendees admired the meticulously crafted interiors, designed by Rafael de Cárdenas, a long-standing collaborator with SKIMS. Cárdenas masterfully combined sleek architectural lines with graceful sculptural curves, culminating in a magnificent, unique Vanessa Beecroft sculpture that commanded attention within the space. Each SKIMS store, from its New York beginnings to locations in Atlanta and Houston, features its own distinctive art piece, adding a touch of exclusive artistry to every retail environment.
The successful launch underscored a pivotal moment for Kardashian and Grede, as the SKIMS empire continues its expansive journey beyond its initial shapewear origins. For one memorable Fashion Week night, Regent Street truly belonged to Kim and her burgeoning brand.
This grand opening serves as a testament to the evolving landscape of global fashion and retail, showcasing how celebrity influence and strategic branding can transform a product line into a lifestyle phenomenon. The blend of high fashion, celebrity culture, and innovative retail design highlights a new era where brand experiences extend beyond mere commerce, becoming cultural events in their own right. The success of SKIMS in expanding its international footprint, particularly in a fashion capital like London, indicates a strong demand for inclusive and high-quality intimate apparel, while also demonstrating the power of a cohesive brand vision and strategic partnerships.