Fashion’s new peak? The North Face x Skims launch collab collection

A collaboration merging technical legacy of outdoor performancewear with the cultural cachet of celebrity-led fashion, The North Face and Skims have unveiled a collaboration designed to transition from ski slopes to après-ski lounges. The collection reimagines archival designs from The North Face, applying Skims’ signature form-fitting silhouettes and subdued color palette, aiming to bridge the divide between functionality and high-fashion appeal.

This partnership represents Skims’ debut in the realm of winter wear, despite recently having announced collaborations with Dolce & Gabbana and Swarovski. The limited-edition collection, available starting December 10, includes pieces like compressive base layers, technical outerwear, and accessories. Prices range from 60 dollars to 1,200 dollars.

Are collaborations a double-edged sword?

While collaborations like this have become ubiquitous in fashion, they reflect a growing tension in the industry. Once reserved for rare partnerships with groundbreaking impact, the collaboration model is increasingly seen as a marketing tool at risk of overuse. Consumers are beginning to feel collaboration fatigue. When every brand is chasing hype through partnerships, it becomes harder to stand out.

Despite this concern, the pairing of The North Face and Skims is emblematic of how brands seek to expand their audiences. For The North Face, the collaboration offers an entrée into the culturally influential world of Skims, whose co-founder Kim Kardashian commands a global following. Conversely, Skims benefits from The North Face’s storied reputation for technical innovation and outdoor credibility.

“Partnering with The North Face allowed us to bring our solutions-based design ethos to a new category,” said Kim Kardashian, who is featured prominently in one of the campaign’s striking visuals. “I’ve spent a lot of time on the slopes, so this collection was personally inspiring to develop.”

David Whetstone, The North Face’s Director of Collaborations and Energy, echoed the sentiment: “The North Face is always inspired by innovative brands driving culture. Collaborating with Skims allowed us to push our design boundaries while maintaining the performance and functionality our customers expect.”

The collaboration is accompanied by dual campaigns, shot by Vanessa Beecroft and Donna Trope, featuring windswept peaks in Chile and Kardashian herself modelling pieces like the Down One Piece and Seam Taped Pant.

To enhance its exclusivity, the collection will debut in a series of high-concept retail displays blending the distinct visual identities of both brands.

Will the strategy pay off?

As the collaboration hits shelves, questions linger about whether the hype surrounding such partnerships can sustain itself in a crowded marketplace. With offerings ranging from XXS to 3X and a commitment to functionality, the collection seeks to appeal broadly without diluting the identities of its parent brands. Still, the collaboration underscores a larger trend in fashion: a relentless quest for cultural relevance through the marriage of disparate brands.