Skims Appoints Beauty Lead to Champion Diversity, Signaling Industry Move Toward Black-Owned Brand Innovation
Kim Kardashian’s shapewear company, Skims, has appointed Diarrha N’Diaye—who previously founded the now-closed Black-owned beauty label Ami Colé—as executive vice president of beauty and fragrance to head its forthcoming beauty division. This announcement, made on November 3, highlights the increasing appreciation for the contributions of Black-owned brands to the beauty industry, especially in promoting diversity and creativity, according to
N’Diaye’s new role comes after Ami Colé ceased operations in September 2025, a decision she attributed to high operational expenses, fierce competition, and investor demands, as detailed by The Cut. Although the brand has closed, its influence—seen in its popular lip oils, broad shade selections, and strong sense of community—continues to resonate within the industry. At Skims, N’Diaye will be responsible for leading product innovation, development, and overall brand direction for Skims Beauty, aiming to bring the brand’s commitment to size and shade inclusivity from clothing into the cosmetics space, according to
This hiring decision reflects a larger movement within the beauty sector. Alicia Scott, who started Range Beauty, pointed out the importance of ongoing support for Black-owned businesses, noting that while N’Diaye received considerable encouragement after her brand closed, similar assistance is often missing during the growth stages, as Fortune reported. This perspective is echoed by programs like Glossier’s grants for Black entrepreneurs, which helped Range Beauty overcome supply chain issues—a program also featured by Fortune. Such initiatives are increasingly recognized as vital for maintaining diversity in the beauty industry.
This isn’t Skims’ first venture into beauty. The company had previously relaunched Kim Kardashian’s SKKN by Kim line, which was discontinued in June 2025 after being absorbed into Skims. The new beauty division, however, seems more thoughtfully planned, leveraging N’Diaye’s expertise in products for deeper skin tones and her experience at L’Oréal and Glossier, as mentioned by
This leadership change also brings attention to the difficulties faced by new beauty brands. While N’Diaye’s transition to Skims provides her with greater resources, it also raises concerns about the long-term viability of independent Black-owned labels. Emma Grede, a Skims executive and Range Beauty investor, was instrumental in connecting N’Diaye to this opportunity, highlighting the value of mentorship and institutional backing in the sector, as Fortune observed.
As Skims gets ready to introduce its beauty products, the brand’s future will hinge on its ability to blend Kardashian’s star power with the inclusive, community-focused philosophy that N’Diaye embodied at Ami Colé. The industry will be watching closely, as this appointment not only affirms confidence in Black entrepreneurship but also offers a possible model for how major companies can embed diversity into their core business strategies, according to
