In June 2023, Kim Kardashian and photographer Steven Klein debuted a campaign for SKIMS that traded traditional beach aesthetics for a darker, industrial aesthetic.
The shoot centered on the brand’s Rubberized Scuba and Faux Leather collections, utilizing high-shine finishes and a monochromatic palette.
Kim Kardashian posing in a bikini with opera gloves, knee-high tights, and pointy-toe heels (Credit: Steven Klein for SKIMS)
While the focus was ostensibly on swimwear, the styling relied heavily on unconventional accessories to create a striking silhouette.
Kardashian and the accompanying models paired zip-front bikinis and one-piece suits with matte opera gloves and dramatic footwear—specifically stiletto-heeled pointed-toe pumps and skin-tight over-the-knee boots. These additions moved the collection away from functional swimming and toward a high-fashion editorial look.
In a press release, the television personality spoke about enlisting Steven Klein’s help. “Steven and I have collaborated on so many iconic images over the years, and I’m grateful that we once again have partnered on Skims for the new swim campaign.”
Kim Kardashian surrounded by models in all-black ensembles from the new swimwear line (Credit: Steven Klein for SKIMS)
The Kardashians star continued, “His creative touch and vision for this collection are exactly what make him the incredible photographer he is today.”
Meanwhile, Steven Klein sang Kim Kardashian’s praises in the same press release. “Icons exert a magnetic pull that allows the viewer to superimpose a dream reality, a kind of hyper-existence,” Klein remarked. “Icons are symbols, the alphabet of desire. Kim speaks this language. Our work together has been an exploration of the power of the image, the beauty of experimentation/the alchemical process of icon.”
The collection drops “soon,” but people are already having a field day in the comments section.
Kim Kardashian resting atop a male model while clad in a zip-front bikini with opera gloves, knee-high boots, and oversized sunglasses (Credit: Steven Klein for SKIMS)
One person called the collection “perfect for deep sea rescue missions,” while another sarcastically remarked that it “looks like really practical beachwear for most of us….!!!”
Someone said that it’s “kinda cringy,” while another wondered if they’re “promoting the oil or the swimwear?”
Whatever you may think about Kim Kardashian and Steven Klein’s visual narrative for SKIMS’ new swim campaign, you can’t deny that the images are a great conversation starter.
Kim Kardashian’s latest swimwear drop for her brand SKIMS takes a different approach compared to the vibrant and tropical bikinis often seen on celebrities during summer vacations.
Instead, Kim’s new releases, the Rubberized Scuba Swim and Faux Leather Swim collections, exude a… https://t.co/L0DOkaR8ja
— Your Next Shoes (@yournextshoes) June 29, 2023
Why Kim Kardashian’s Boot Styling Still Feels Ahead of the Curve
As this campaign makes clear, Kim Kardashian doesn’t just wear boots—she uses them to reshape the entire silhouette. From razor-sharp pointed toes to second-skin thigh-highs, her footwear choices consistently push beyond practicality into pure visual impact, turning even minimal outfits into statement-making looks.
It’s this deliberate tension—between utility and exaggeration, swimwear and stilettos—that keeps her styling relevant. Whether anchoring a monochrome moment or extending the line of the leg to near illusion, her boots remain the defining element.
Below, revisit some of her most striking boot moments and the styling choices that made them unforgettable.
👢 Explore Kim Kardashian’s Most Iconic Boot Moments:
- 🖤 Her defining Balenciaga “Knife” boot era pairs razor-sharp, over-the-knee silhouettes with body-hugging Alaïa knits—creating that unmistakable second-skin, elongated line she’s known for.
- ✈️ The Sergio Rossi suede thigh-high boots at LAX transform a simple airport look into a runway moment, styled with a fitted cream dress and oversized safari jacket.
- 🐆 Her archival Alaïa leopard boots in Paris anchor a head-to-toe 1991 runway look, proving how statement footwear can carry an entire outfit with precision and attitude.
- ⚡ NikeSKIMS launch styling with pointed stiletto boots blurs the line between activewear and high fashion, creating the illusion of pantaboots through seamless color matching.
- 🩶 Her Yeezy thigh-high boot street style shows how sharply pointed suede boots can lengthen proportions when paired with skinny jeans and minimal layers.
- 🖤 The Stuart Weitzman Fall 2022 campaign cements her status as a modern boot icon, showcasing stretch thigh-high silhouettes that emphasize strength, structure, and clean lines.