Who Co-Founded Skims and How the Brand Evolved
Skims was co-founded by Kim Kardashian and her then-husband Kanye West in 2019, with Kim as public-facing founder and creative lead and Kanye involved in early strategic direction before his departure from the company. The venture emerged from Kim’s shapewear brand SKIMS by Kim Kardashian and expanded into broader activewear and denim under the Skims name. In 2022, following their divorce, Kim restructured the company, and as of 2023 she confirmed the brand would operate under ‘SKIMS by Kim Kardashian’ while clarifying business and personal boundaries. Below is a breakdown of verified roles, ownership shifts, and the current status of the relationship between the former co-founders.
Key People and Roles
Kim Kardashian has remained the public face and creative force behind the brand since its creation. Kanye West participated in early creative and business decisions but stepped back from day-to-day operations after their separation. Ownership and control now rest with Kim and the executive team she leads. The timeline below captures pivotal moments in the partnership and transition.
Factual Timeline and Ownership Shifts
| Date or Period | Event | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Launch of SKIMS by Kim Kardashian, later branded as Skims with Kanye West as co-founder | Established the shapewear line that evolved into the broader Skims brand. |
| 2020–2021 | Expansion into loungewear, denim, and activewear under the Skims name | Broadened the product mix and increased market presence. |
| 2022 | Kim Kardashian files for divorce; restructuring of Skims ownership and operations | Shifted legal and operational control to Kim and her management. |
| 2023 | Kim confirms brand operates as ‘SKIMS by Kim Kardashian’ and clarifies business separation from personal relationship | Signaled continuity under Kim’s leadership while updating brand positioning. |
Current Relationship and Business Status
As of the latest public statements, Kim Kardashian and Kanye West are not business partners on Skims. The brand is run by Kim and her executive leadership, with Kanye no longer involved in day-to-day decisions. Their personal relationship remains separate from the company’s operations. The terms ‘co-founders’ historically apply to the 2019 launch period, but current governance reflects Kim’s sole control.
Ownership and Governance at a Glance
- Founder and primary owner: Kim Kardashian
- Former co-founder: Kanye West (early strategic input, no ongoing operational role)
- Current leadership: Kim Kardashian and appointed executives
- Brand name: SKIMS by Kim Kardashian
Quick Comparison: Then vs. Now
| Aspect | During Co-Founding (2019) | Current (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Public branding | SKIMS by Kim Kardashian, later marketed as Skims | SKIMS by Kim Kardashian |
| Operational control | Shared strategic input between Kim and Kanye | Kim Kardashian and her executive team |
| Ownership structure | Joint venture between Kim and Kanye | Primarily owned and controlled by Kim Kardashian |
Clarifying the Co-Founder Narrative
Media references to Skims co-founders often conflate past involvement with present operations. While Kim Kardashian and Kanye West launched the venture together in 2019, Kanye’s role diminished after their personal and legal split. The brand today reflects Kim’s continued stewardship, distinct relationship boundaries, and a refocused product strategy. Understanding this evolution is essential to separating historical facts from current reality.
Key Takeaways
- Kim Kardashian is the founder and current driving force behind Skims.
- Kanye West was an initial co-founder but is no longer involved in the business.
- The brand operates as SKIMS by Kim Kardashian and continues to expand under her ownership.