SKIMS Hires Supreme Veteran, Uniqlo U Loses Lemaire Duo

Kim Kardashian's shapewear brand SKIMS has appointed Erin Magee as its first Chief Design Officer, a significant move that sees a veteran from the streetwear giant Supreme join the company. Magee spent 22 years at Supreme, where she was instrumental in shaping its cultural influence and visual identity. She also founded the women’s streetwear brand Mademe. In her new role at SKIMS, Magee will be responsible for guiding the brand's creative product direction as it continues its global expansion. Kim Kardashian expressed confidence in Magee's ability to connect with audiences and drive creative innovation. This appointment is part of a broader structural shift at SKIMS, which also saw Kim Schraub promoted to the newly created position of Chief Brand Officer. The company has experienced substantial growth, positioning itself as a major player in the fashion industry.

In a notable departure from the Japanese retailer Uniqlo, the design duo Christophe Lemaire and Sarah-Linh Tran have stepped down as the inaugural head designers of Uniqlo U. Their final collection for the sub-label was the FW26 offering. Lemaire and Tran were instrumental in establishing Uniqlo U's aesthetic since its inception in 2015, successfully blending functional basics with high-end minimalism. This distinctive approach transformed Uniqlo U into a commercial success, reportedly generating approximately $1 billion in 2025. Uniqlo has confirmed their departure but has assured customers that the Uniqlo U sub-label will continue. The industry is now anticipating who will succeed them and whether the brand can maintain its sophisticated appeal without its founding creative forces. Uniqlo U is known for its accessible yet elevated designs, making it a popular choice for fashion-conscious consumers seeking quality basics.

Beyond these key appointments and departures, the fashion landscape saw other significant developments this week. Authentic Brands Group (ABG) has acquired a majority stake in Drake's October's Very Own (OVO) brand, signaling further consolidation in the celebrity-endorsed fashion market. UGG has launched a capsule collection in collaboration with designer Willy Chavarria, known for his distinct streetwear-inspired designs. Rapper Gunna is featured in Under Armour's new P-Star collection, highlighting the intersection of music and sportswear. Furthermore, Gucci has enlisted a roster of global stars, including BTS member Jin, EsDeeKid, Rico Nasty, and Shawn Mendes, for its Primavera campaign, underscoring the brand's strategy of leveraging high-profile endorsements to reach diverse audiences and promote its latest offerings. These diverse moves reflect the dynamic nature of the fashion industry, characterized by strategic partnerships, creative leadership changes, and high-impact marketing campaigns.