Kim Kardashian’s new SKIMS menswear promo is coming under fire for a “missed opportunity” to support Women’s History Month.
The reality star shared the latest ad for her fashion and shapewear company to Instagram on Monday. Featuring a line-up of male college basketball stars, the campaign showcased the brand’s upcoming menswear drop, including shorts, hoodies and sweatpants in neutral tones.
Dubbed “SKIMS March All Stars,” the mock magazine cover included the Duke’s Blue Devils’ player Jared McCain, the Kentucky Wildcats’ point guard Robert Dillingham and the Kansas Jayhawks’s center Hunter Dickinson, amongst other up and comers.
Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images Entertainment
“An unbeatable roster of college basketball players own the court in Mens Terry, dropping Thursday, March 21 at 9AM PT / 12PM ET,” Kardashian wrote alongside the image, with the reel also featuring solo shots of the players.
However, the ad sparked backlash. As March is Women’s History Month, many users were upset there is no campaign for female sports stars.
“Should [have] been the women’s all stars,” commented Shari L. Stevens.
“Would’ve been a slay,” agreed Sami Doering.
“Marketing person—Fired. Should have had the girls instead. Everyone knows the girl ballers. Sorry boys,” said Erika.
“Kim, please do women’s NCAA too,” wrote Mina.
“This was such a missed opportunity to highlight women’s basketball and during women’s history month,” said @capricesun01.
“Women’s basketball is finally growing you but we need more women supporting women,” commented Zhitaya Burkley.
Other users defended the spread, with Mandy Noaks writing: “This is literally for her men’s line.”
“It’s men’s clothing why would they have women model it,” said Bakes. “She’ll most likely have women athletes for women’s clothing!!!!”
“Men wear @skims too,” commented Juan.
“Actually it’s smart to market towards [men], being that Skims audience is primarily women,” said @brollofo.
“Kim I swear you and your marketing team are amazing,” wrote @kyliekcentral. “I’m always sooooo excited to see what’s coming because you just never know.”
Newsweek has reached out to Kim Kardashian for comment via email.
Kardashian announced her partnership with the NBA in October 2023, designing undergarments and loungewear for both the men’s and women’s basketball leagues. This means a female version of the campaign is likely to drop in the near future.
The 43-year-old struck a similar deal with Team USA ahead of the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics, creating a line of sports bras, vests, cycle shorts, shirts and high-waist briefs—all adorned with American flags and Team USA branding.
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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.