Skims' Beauty Chief Hired to Drive Inclusivity, Reflecting Industry Shift Toward Black-Owned Innovation

Kim Kardashian's shapewear brand Skims has tapped Diarrha N'Diaye, the founder of the now-shuttered Black-owned beauty brand Ami Colé, to lead its upcoming beauty division as executive vice president of beauty and fragrance. The move, announced on November 3, underscores a growing recognition of the value that Black-owned brands bring to the cosmetics sector, particularly in driving inclusivity and innovation, according to The Cut.

N'Diaye's appointment follows the closure of Ami Colé in September 2025, which the founder attributed to unsustainable operating costs amid intense competition and investor pressure, as reported by The Cut. Despite the brand's shutdown, its legacy—marked by viral lip oils, inclusive shade ranges, and a strong community focus—left a lasting impact on the industry. N'Diaye's new role at Skims involves overseeing product development, innovation, and brand strategy for Skims Beauty, which aims to extend the brand's ethos of size and shade inclusivity from apparel to cosmetics, according to Fortune.

The hiring reflects a broader industry trend. Alicia Scott, founder of Range Beauty, emphasized the need for sustained support for Black-owned brands, noting that while post-closure support for N'Diaye was significant, similar backing during a brand's growth phase is often lacking, as Fortune reported. This sentiment aligns with initiatives like Glossier's grants for Black founders, which helped Range Beauty navigate supply chain challenges, a program Fortune also highlighted. Such programs are increasingly seen as critical to sustaining diversity in the beauty sector.

Skims' foray into beauty is not its first attempt. The brand previously rebranded Kim Kardashian's SKKN by Kim line, which folded in June 2025 after being folded into Skims. The new division, however, appears more strategically positioned, with N'Diaye's expertise in creating products for melanin-rich skin and her background at L'Oréal and Glossier, as reported by Marie Claire. Kardashian, who has previously faced mixed results with KKW Beauty, emphasized that Skims Beauty will focus on "makeup classics" and simplify beauty rituals while prioritizing skin health from "strand to toe."

The appointment also highlights the challenges facing emerging beauty brands. While N'Diaye's move to Skims offers access to greater resources, it raises questions about the sustainability of independent Black-owned brands. Emma Grede, a Skims executive and investor in Range Beauty, played a key role in connecting N'Diaye to the opportunity, illustrating the importance of mentorship and institutional support in the industry, Fortune noted.

As Skims prepares to launch its beauty line, the brand's success will depend on its ability to balance Kardashian's celebrity influence with the inclusive, community-driven approach that N'Diaye championed at Ami Colé. The beauty world will be watching closely, as the appointment signals both a vote of confidence in Black entrepreneurial talent and a potential blueprint for how major brands can integrate diversity into their core strategies, according to NewBeauty.