Skims Taps Ami Colé Founder for Beauty Division

In a significant move for the beauty industry, Skims, Kim Kardashian’s shapewear giant, has appointed Diarrha N’Diaye-Mbaye as the new Executive Vice President of Beauty & Fragrance. N’Diaye-Mbaye, the talented founder of the now-defunct but highly celebrated inclusive makeup line Ami Colé, will spearhead the relaunch and development of Kardashian’s beauty ventures under the Skims umbrella.

A New Vision for Skims Beauty

The closure of Ami Colé in September was a blow to many makeup enthusiasts, particularly those who cherished its commitment to deep, rich pigments and shade inclusivity. The brand, launched in 2021, quickly became a favorite for its purpose-driven approach and standout products, including its signature lip oils. However, unsustainable operating costs led to its unfortunate shutdown.

Now, N’Diaye-Mbaye brings her wealth of experience and unique perspective to Skims. She plans to lead product development and brand strategy, aiming to infuse Skims Beauty with Kardashian’s signature neutral aesthetic while ensuring a strong focus on inclusivity for deeper skin tones. N’Diaye-Mbaye expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “I have sat on salon floors, worked 8-hour shifts at beauty retailers, started a company, and am now taking an executive seat at a beauty brand promising to bring a fresh approach to beauty.”

Bridging Clothing and Cosmetics

Kim Kardashian, who recently confirmed the upcoming launch of Skims Beauty after shutting down SKKN and KKW Beauty, sees N’Diaye-Mbaye as the perfect fit. “I want Skims Beauty to be a place where everyone feels represented, and there is no better person to help us do that than Diarrha,” Kardashian stated. She highlighted N’Diaye-Mbaye’s talent in merging the emotional and tactical aspects of beauty, praising her innovative instincts and authenticity.

N’Diaye-Mbaye also spoke about her “gift” for building community through business on Emma Grede’s podcast, Aspire. Grede, a co-founder of Skims, noted N’Diaye-Mbaye’s ability to “emotionally connect with someone [while] not even knowing them.” This skill is expected to be invaluable as Skims Beauty aims to create a seamless, “second-skin” experience for consumers, connecting their apparel line with makeup, hair, and fragrance.

A Win for Black Women in Executive Roles

This appointment is a significant moment, celebrating another highly qualified Black woman stepping into a prominent executive position within the beauty industry. It underscores a growing trend of recognizing and empowering diverse talent at the highest levels of major brands.