Kim Kardashian’s newest Skims accessory
just so happens to be social-distance-approved,
but fans aren’t exactly giving them the
seal of approval after dragging Kim for cultural
appropriation, yet again.
Anyone remember “KIMONOs??”
We’re all aware of Kim’s successful shapewear
line Skims, and how it focuses on body positivity,
while promoting shapewear and underwear for
women of all shapes and sizes.
Over the weekend, the brand jumped on the
“trendy mask” profit train and dropped
a new line of nonmedical masks in five different
shades.
Not only do the masks benefit men and women
as a social distancing staple, but the new
posting revealed that the brand will also
be supporting pandemic relief efforts saying
QUOTE, “To support the COVID-19 relief work
efforts and help protect those on the frontline,
SKIMS is donating 10,000 Seamless Face Masks
to our charitable partners: Baby2Baby, Good
Plus Foundation, the LA Regional Food Bank
and the National Domestic Workers Alliance.
The new masks ended up selling out in less
than 30 minutes, as many clearly saw this
as an opportunity to give back amid the world’s
current crisis.
However, Kim and her brand faced a massive
amount of backlash from fans after sharing
photos of a black model in an ad wearing a
black mask and labeling said mask ‘nude.’
Notice on each of the models how four of the
masks, described on the website as sand, clay,
sienna and cocoa, come pretty close to different
skin tones.
But the ‘onyx’ mask, which appears to
be solid black, is causing some fans to lose
their minds as comments on all forms of social
media began rolling in with fans dragging
Kim for cultural appropriation, as well as
this ad as being completely tasteless, which
describes each color as ‘five shades of
NUDES’.
One user wrote, “It started all good till
I got to frame 3… that’s not a nude for
dark skin.
It’s just black.”
Another user commented on the ad, saying,
“The nude shade for the Black model is inaccurate,
offensive, and culturally out of touch.”
While many are coming for Kim and her shapewear
line, many are coming to the brand’s defense
as users attempt to attack from all different
angles.
Another user tweeted about the line’s lack
of efforts to give back, considering it was
only donating masks and not actual money,
writing, “While others are making and donating
masks, Kim Kardashian is trying to make a
profit from it.
Shame.”
But another fan was quick to shut down this
argument, adding a screenshot of another tweet
that the official Skims account posted, saying,
“Skims is honored to support those most
affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
With a donation of $1M distributed across
the following charities, we hope this brings
meaningful relief to those in need.”
AMEN TO THAT.
Others wondered how the line made it this
far without anyone telling Kim this would
cause controversy, to which one user wrote
back by saying, “It’s possible.
Definitely genius marketing if so because
now we’re not gonna shut up about it.”
On top of fans criticizing the brand’s marketing
and donation to relief efforts, many felt
the need to speak out for the model who was
actually wearing the ‘onyx’ mask.
After users claimed that people of color would
be offended by the inaccurate shades, another
user asked, “don’t you think the model
would have said something if she felt it was
offensive?”
This apparently did catch the attention of
the exact model, Arame Fall, who shut ALL
the naysayers down, writing, “FACTS!!
I’m this model and there was no moment that
I felt like I was disrespected.”
Arame also took to her own Twitter account
to share how ridiculous she thought the backlash
was, writing, “Out of all the things happening
in the world I’m shocked that people are
angry about a face mask..SHOCKED.”
Fans might recall that this isn’t the first
time the brand was under fire for cultural
appropriation.
Back when the line was set to go live, the
original name was envisioned to be ‘Kimono’
just before it was quickly changed to Skims.
But all the controversy aside, the brand is
definitely doing its part to give back during
the worldwide crisis as we previously reported
that they’ve already donated $1M AND is
set to send off masks for those who don’t
have access.
Kim’s tweet in question is currently still
active, as she has yet to respond to the backlash,
so it may be just a matter of time.
Until then, be sure to share all your thoughts
on the new Skims masks and their nude shades…
did you find them offensive, or do you see
nothing wrong with the branding?
And for more breaking news updates, click
to the right for all the details on ‘Bachelorette’
star Hannah Brown’s controversy after using
racial slurs on Instagram Live.
See you guys next time!
