First Look: Skims adds to footprint with Chicago flagship
Skims has planted its flag in the ritzy Gold Coast neighborhood of Chicago.
The shapewear brand co-founded by reality TV superstar and entrepreneur Kim Kardashian opened a flagship on iconic Rush Street, in the ground floor of a luxury apartment building. Set within a former 1960s bank and designed by studio Rafael de Cárdenas Ltd., the 6,500-sq.-ft., two-level space balances the architectural heritage of the locale with Skims' minimalist design and its nude palette.
The new store expands on Skims' flagship locations in Los Angeles and New York, followed by Mexico and Dubai, with plans for additional stores across key markets in 2026. Last November, the brand added $225 million in new funding in a round led by Goldman Sachs Alternatives which brought the valuation of Skims to $5 billion. The brand said it is laying the groundwork to become a “predominantly physical business” in the coming years.
Anchoring the Chicago space is a larger-than-life sculpture of a reclining woman designed by artist Vanessa Beecroft. The sculpture, which can be seen from the glazed facade, immediately draws attention to the flagship. Merchandise is housed in a grid-based display system.
A curved staircase leads to the lower level, where Skims’ trademark wall of its bra styles and freestanding display systems sit beneath a sweeping illuminated ceiling.
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(Image courtesy of Skims) -
(Image courtesy of Skims)
“Chicago boasts such incredible style and a vibrant community, and opening our first flagship here feels incredibly meaningful,” said Kardashian, co-founder and chief creative officer. “We’re thrilled to introduce Skims to the city, inviting the community into a space that pays homage to Chicago’s storied architectural heritage while highlighting our signature design language, immersive experiences and the complete assortment in person.”
[READ MORE: First Look: Kim Kardashian's Skims opens its largest store to date]
The store features an extensive range of Skims' women’s and men’s products across categories including loungewear, underwear and shapewear. Best-selling collections are featured alongside new seasonal releases.
The Chicago outpost will also offer exclusive merchandise available only at the Gold Coast location, with limited-edition styles unique to the city. The location will additionally carry exclusive drops, including the brand's collaboration with Nike, released throughout the year.
“We’re very pleased with the continued growth of our retail business and the strong momentum we’re seeing across the U.S.,” said Jens Grede, Co-Founder & CEO. “Chicago is an exciting market with a vibrant local community, and this flagship gives us a dedicated space to deepen those connections - showcasing our full collections, delivering exclusive in-store offers, and creating memorable experiences for our customers.”
Founded in 2019, Skims now operates 15 retail locations.
