Climate Crusader vs. Fashion Icon: Nathalie Kelley Takes on Kim Kardashian's NikeSkims Collaboration
SKIMS-GATE: A-List Feud Erupts as Nathalie Kelley Takes Aim at Kim Kardashian's Activewear Empire
In a shocking turn of events, Australian actress and climate change activist Nathalie Kelley has publicly called out Kim Kardashian over her brand Skims' new activewear collaboration with Nike. The bombshell comes just days before the highly anticipated collection launches on September 26, featuring sleek crop tops and leggings designed for sports performance.
Kelley, known for her roles in The Fast and Furious: Tokyo Drift and her outspoken environmental advocacy, took to social media to express her outrage over Skims' use of synthetic materials like nylon and spandex. In a scathing post, she reposted an article from eco-friendly media company EcoAge, which condemned the collaboration for promoting "fossil fuel fashion."
The article, which Kelley shared with a clear expression of disgust (the poop emoji), slammed NikeSkims for producing seven collections made from synthetic materials that harm both people and the planet. The post read: "NikeSkims is 'disrupting the industry' with more fossil fuel fashion...NikeSkims is launching with seven collections mostly made from synthetic materials, such as nylon and polyester."
The controversy surrounding Skims is nothing new. Last year, global advocacy group Remake gave the brand a dismal zero score in its 2024 accountability report, which assesses brands' transparency, wages, and wellbeing of employees, environmental impact, and sustainability goals. The scathing review placed Skims dead last alongside fast fashion giant Temu, which has been accused of forced labor and selling products deemed unsafe to human health.
The report slammed Skims for its carbon emissions, use of materials harmful to both humans and the environment, and unfair working conditions at a supply factory in South East Asia. It's no wonder Kelley is taking aim at Kardashian's empire, given her own commitment to environmental activism.
Kelley has never been afraid to speak her mind on eco-friendly issues. In 2022, she sparked controversy when she called out Burning Man festival for encouraging attendees to burn fuel and promote a more sustainable approach to celebration. She also famously slammed festival-goers for wearing feathers in their hair, citing the devastating impact it has on wild species in the Amazon.
Skims, which was launched in 2019, is valued at an eye-watering $4 billion. The brand has been plagued by controversy since its inception, with critics accusing Kardashian of prioritizing profits over people and planet. Kelley's public diss may be just the beginning of a heated debate about the true cost of fast fashion.
As the NikeSkims collection prepares to hit shelves on September 26, one thing is clear: Kelley's bold move has sparked a firestorm of conversation around the environmental impact of fast fashion. Will Kardashian and her empire take heed, or will this feud escalate into a full-blown battle for eco-friendly supremacy? Only time will tell.
Sources:
- EcoAge article reposted by Nathalie Kelley
- Remake 2024 accountability report
- TheScholarlyNote.com (formerly DailyMail.com)