Kim Kardashian, a name synonymous with reality TV and beauty empire, has made significant strides in the beauty industry with her brand KKW Beauty. However, in recent years, there’s been speculation about her ownership of the brand and its current status. So, does Kim Kardashian still own KKW Beauty? Let’s dive into the details.
The Rise of KKW Beauty
Launched in 2017, KKW Beauty quickly became a global sensation. Known for its contour kits, lipsticks, and sleek packaging, the brand reflected Kim Kardashian’s signature look and became a must-have for beauty enthusiasts. It capitalized on Kim’s massive social media following and her status as a beauty icon.
KKW Beauty also expanded into fragrances under the KKW Fragrance line, further solidifying Kim’s influence in the beauty space.
The Coty Partnership
In 2020, Kim Kardashian made headlines when she sold a 20% stake in KKW Beauty to Coty Inc., a beauty conglomerate, for $200 million. This deal valued the company at $1 billion. The partnership aimed to expand the brand’s global reach and improve its product development capabilities.
Coty’s involvement led to speculation about how much control Kim retained over her brand. However, she continued to play an active role in its operations, particularly in creative direction and marketing.
Rebranding to SKKN by Kim
In 2021, KKW Beauty paused its operations to undergo a rebranding. Kim announced that the brand would relaunch with a new name and updated product offerings. Fans speculated that this move was partly due to her divorce from Kanye West, as the initials “KW” in KKW Beauty stood for Kim Kardashian West.
The relaunch, which materialized in 2022, introduced SKKN by Kim, a luxury skincare line focusing on high-quality, science-backed formulations. The transition marked a shift in the brand’s identity, steering away from makeup and towards skincare.
Does Kim Still Own KKW Beauty?
As of now, KKW Beauty no longer operates under its original name. The rebranding to SKKN by Kim indicates that the KKW Beauty brand, as it was originally known, has been retired. However, Kim still owns SKKN by Kim, retaining her influence and ownership over this new iteration of her beauty empire.
While Coty remains a key stakeholder, Kim has emphasized her hands-on role in SKKN by Kim, particularly in product development and brand vision. Therefore, while KKW Beauty as a brand is no longer active, Kim Kardashian remains deeply involved in the beauty industry through SKKN by Kim.
What About KKW Fragrance?
Similarly, KKW Fragrance also underwent a rebranding and paused operations in 2022 to align with the SKKN by Kim vision. Kim announced that the fragrance line would return with a new look and feel, although details about its relaunch remain limited.
The Bigger Picture
Kim Kardashian’s move from KKW Beauty to SKKN by Kim reflects a broader trend in the beauty industry towards skincare and wellness. By pivoting her brand, Kim has positioned herself to cater to evolving consumer preferences while maintaining her status as a leader in the beauty world.
Thoughts
While Kim Kardashian no longer owns KKW Beauty in its original form, her legacy in the beauty industry continues through SKKN by Kim. This evolution showcases her ability to adapt to changing markets and redefine her brand to stay relevant. For fans of her products, the rebranding signifies a fresh chapter, but one still deeply rooted in Kim’s signature style and vision.
