Kim Kardashian stuns in see-through catsuit at NikeSKIMS NYC launch

Kim Kardashian arrived in New York on Wednesday for the highly anticipated NikeSkims store launch, turning heads in a sheer grey catsuit that clung to her signature hourglass silhouette. The reality TV star, 44, wore a look that paired a figure-skimming, see-through fabric with white side stripes, creating the illusion of underwear worn on the outside. She completed the ensemble with a head bandana and pointed-toe grey heels, and her raven hair flowed in loose waves beneath the accessory. The overall effect was a bold statement for the event, which also showcased the forthcoming NikeSkims lineup.

The look is drawn from Kardashian’s upcoming collaboration with Nike, which the brand indicates will feature body-sculpting pieces designed for sports performance. In addition to the sheer catsuit, attendees likely caught glimpses of sleek crop tops and leggings that are expected to populate the collection, slated to launch Sept. 26. Kardashian offered fans a peek at the range on her Instagram Stories, further stoking anticipation for a project that blends performance wear with the Skims aesthetic the founder has built into a multi-billion-dollar brand.

The public focus on the collaboration has extended beyond the product design. Nathalie Kelley, known for Fast and Furious and an outspoken climate advocate, publicly weighed in ahead of the official rollout. Kelley reposted a EcoAge article condemning NikeSkims for its use of synthetic materials such as nylon and polyester, writing in a post that the collection could be criticized for advancing fossil-fuel fashion. The post carried a poop emoji, underscoring Kelley’s pointed stance against what she described as material choices that may have a larger environmental footprint. Kardashian’s team did not respond to requests for comment about Kelley’s critique, but the controversy underscores the broader industry debate about sustainability in celebrity-endorsed product lines.

The scrutiny comes as Skims faces its own accountability assessments. Remake, a global advocacy group focused on transparency and labor practices in fashion, gave Kardashian’s Skims line a zero score in its 2024 accountability report, ranking it last among major brands for factors including wages, working conditions, and environmental impact. The report placed Skims alongside Temu, a fast-fashion retailer that has been criticized for labor concerns and product safety. While Nike has long highlighted sustainability initiatives in its own product lines, the collaboration with Skims has become a focal point for critics who question the environmental trade-offs involved in blending high-fashion with athletic wear.

The public narrative surrounding Kardashian and Skims has grown increasingly complex. Earlier the same day, Kardashian appeared in a French Vogue cover story that highlighted a period of personal confidence and independence. In the interview, she discussed the shifts she experienced after turning 40 and suggested that she values making decisions that are guided by her own vision rather than external opinions. While the Vogue feature focused on her personal evolution, the NikeSkims collaboration remains a central business venture that fans and detractors alike are watching closely. Kardashian’s Skims brand, launched in 2019, is valued at around $4 billion and has become a touchstone in celebrity-driven fashion, with its own ongoing ethical and environmental conversations.

As the NikeSkims launch unfolds, fashion observers will continue to weigh the vision of a performance-ready capsule against the broader questions about sustainability, supply-chain transparency, and the social responsibilities of celebrity-backed brands. The event in New York underscores how pop culture and commerce intersect in 2025, with a high-profile moment that looks to redefine how fitness apparel is marketed and worn on the street.