If you thought we’d moved past the neutral color era in the outdoor industry, think again: The North Face is launching a collaboration with Skims, and the entire line is in rich chocolate browns, peaches, and of course, black.
Launching online at Skims.com on Dec. 10, The North Face x Skims pulls from TNF’s archives and applies Skims’ body-hugging fits and signature color palette. The winter collection includes outerwear, base layers, apparel, and accessories designed for skiing and beyond.
“The collection is a combination of functional and flattering apparel solutions for the season,” said Kim Kardashian, co-founder and chief creative officer of the brand. ”I’ve spent a lot of time on the slopes, so I was definitely inspired when we were developing this collection and I can’t wait to wear these pieces on my next trip.”
Skims is known for its loungewear, lingerie, and extended sizes. Its TNF collection will mark its first foray into winterwear. The North Face has collaborated with multiple fashion houses, such as Gucci, and former Donna Karan CEO Caroline Brown became TNF’s global brand president in June.
“This shows how fashion-oriented TNF has become,” said Nathan Grothe of NG Consulting and a former buyer at REI.
“Maybe there’s an argument that working with Skims makes the outdoors more accessible to people who want that style of fit and colors, but I think it’s much more about publicity and the celebrity connection than about getting more people outdoors.”
The North Face x Skims campaign was shot by performance artist and photographer Vanessa Beecroft. Photo courtesy of The North Face.
David Whetstone, TNF’s director of collaborations and energy, said innovation and functionality is the brand’s first priority.
“With Skims, we maintained best in class constructions and materials and this collaboration came about from a mutual admiration,” Whetstone said in a statement. “The North Face is constantly inspired by innovative brands that are driving culture like Skims and this limited edition collection draws on the core strengths of each brand.”
The limited edition collection is available in sizes XXS – 3X, S-XL, mules in sizes 5-11, and prices range from $60 to $1,200. It will be sold internationally in The North Face’s flagship locations in Soho, Cortina, Milan, Regent Street, Battersea, Shanghai, and Beijing. It will also be sold in LuisaviaRoma and Highsnobiety in Milan. The in-store shopping experience will feature brand elements from both Skims and TNF, combining curvy fixtures with precision hardware, all in that neutral, monochromatic palette.
The collection features pieces like the Dot Knit top and bottom, seen above on Kim Kardashian, which is made in a double-knit fabric that pulls moisture away from the body by with hydrophobic and hydrophilic yarns to stay warm and protected.
TNF Parent Company VF Corp.’s Turnaround Plan
VF Corp., the parent company of TNF, Vans, Timberland, and Dickies, has struggled to return to growth after several challenging quarters. S&P downgraded VF Corp.’s credit rating to junk stafus in November shortly after the company hosted an Investor Day presentation about its turnaround plans, which will include more cuts. The company also closed a distribution center earlier this year, affecting 242 employees.
Skims is known for its curve-hugging fits. Photo courtesy of The North Face.
The North Face’s revenue declined by 3% in its latest reported quarter, but the brand drove 17% revenue growth in the prior year. The company’s stock price was up by more than 5% on Friday morning.
Skims CEO and co-founder Jens Grede said the company is always on the hunt for something new and to bring solutions to its customers.
“This collaboration with The North Face allowed us to leverage the brand’s heritage expertise and enhance it with our own creative and solutions-based design codes, for one of our most technical collections yet,” he said.
Kate Robertson can be reached at kate.robertson@emeraldx.com.
