As Skims sets its sights on expanding into beauty, the company has tapped a rising industry leader to guide its next phase of growth. Diarrha N’Diaye, founder of the inclusive makeup brand Ami Colé, has been appointed executive vice president of beauty and fragrance, effective Monday. In her new role, N’Diaye will oversee product development and brand strategy as Skims sharpens its vision for its upcoming beauty line.
N’Diaye brings a wealth of experience from her previous roles at Glossier and L’Oréal, as well as from building Ami Colé, which she launched in 2021 to celebrate melanin-rich skin through a minimalist, “no-makeup-makeup” approach. Earlier this year, she announced that the brand would be winding down.
“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,” said Kim Kardashian, cofounder and chief creative officer of Skims. “She has an incomparable talent at marrying the emotional and tactical sides of beauty, and her instincts and experience for innovation and authenticity will power our brand.”
For her part, N’Diaye said Kardashian envisions “makeup classics and excitement about beauty rituals while also simplifying it and focusing on skin from strand to toe.” She added, “My job is to figure out how we create this second-skin experience for the customer and bridge the gap from clothing to makeup, hair and fragrance.”
The appointment follows Skims’ acquisition of Skkn by Kim from Coty Inc. in March, signaling a renewed push into the beauty category. “Diarrha’s modern and community-forward view on beauty aligns perfectly with the ambitions of Skims Beauty,” said Jens Grede, cofounder and chief executive officer of Skims. “Her entrepreneurial background and ability to determine customers’ untapped beauty needs will be instrumental in driving forward our business.”
Valued at $4 billion during its 2023 funding round, Skims has been on a rapid expansion trajectory—launching its men’s line, growing its retail presence, and unveiling viral hits such as the Seamless Sculpt Face Wrap and the Faux Hair Micro String Thong, which sold out in under 24 hours. N’Diaye’s appointment marks a new chapter as Skims prepares to translate its signature “second-skin” philosophy from apparel into the world of beauty.
