Kim Kardashian is pulling out all the stops this holiday season, using her platform to promote her Skims brand and celebrate with some unusual twists. Recently, she made waves with the release of her rendition of the classic Christmas tune "Santa Baby," which has sparked opinions ranging from fascination to outright ridicule.
On December 23, Kardashian unveiled the music video for her rendition of the song, produced by none other than her brother-in-law, Travis Barker of blink-182 fame. The video features Kardashian crawling through her house against the backdrop of bizarre and whimsical happenings, with carolers, cheerleaders, and football players joining the festive chaos. Sporting a short blond bob and embodying a retro aesthetic, Kardashian's rendition has drawn significant attention online.
Social media users have not held back, with reactions pouring in ranging from praise to disdain. One user quipped, "I wish I could delete the last 5 minutes from my memory," voicing the thoughts of many who found the music video jarring. Another added cynically, "Marketing team: How can we make a 5 min SKIMS ad go viral? Kim: Let's make a ridiculous music video where I roll around on the floor..." This mix of charm and chaos appears to have backfired for some, with others referring to it as "demonic" and "the weirdest thing I’ve seen." Yet, amid the criticisms, Kardashian's playful creativity shines as she aims to connect with her audience festively.
Adding to the holiday festivities, Kardashian hosted her Skims Christmas party on December 21. The affair was notable for Kardashian’s recreation of her iconic 2014 Paper magazine cover, which famously aimed to "break the internet." Dressed in a stunning red leather gown with a plunging neckline, she mimicked the pose from her viral photoshoot. Despite recently suffering from a broken foot—a fact she humorously noted on social media—Kardashian remained on-brand, pairing high heels with her cast.
The reactions to her party photos were instantaneous, with fans and friends alike recognizing the nostalgic reference. Khloe Kardashian, ever the supportive sister, commented, "Gift that's keeps on giving," referring to Kim's stunning appearance and past iconic moment. The juxtaposition of the old and new shows how Kardashian continues to leverage her past successes to drive engagement with her current projects.
Kardashian's return to music, albeit briefly, is another facet of her multi-faceted brand strategy. After her previous disappointing foray with "Jam (Turn It Up)" in 2011—something she later expressed regret over—the re-emergence of her musical ambitions through this cover brings both intrigue and skepticism. Kardashian has often been described as unapologetically ambitious, but this latest venture raises questions—can she successfully blend fashion, festive cheer, and music without crossing the line?
On another front, after years of criticism from animal rights groups, Kim Kardashian found herself on the receiving end of praise from PETA for her latest Skims line, which features faux fur. The organization’s Senior Vice President, Lisa Lange, welcomed Kardashian’s embrace of synthetic materials. “Teeny faux fur bikini, big win for animals!” Lange remarked, celebrating Kardashian’s evolution from past criticisms for using real fur.
This turnaround marks significant progress for Kardashian, who has faced backlash for prior choices, including her family's penchant for selling clothing made from exotic animal skins and earlier comments about her pets. Just two years prior, PETA openly criticized Kardashian, asking for her to donate items for educational purposes instead of capitalizing financially on them. Earlier controversies, including the infamous flour bomb incident at a red-carpet event, showcased the tension between Kardashian’s celebrity lifestyle and activism.
Nevertheless, as she steps firmly back onto the public stage, Kardashian’s influence continues to provoke diverse opinions, but it can’t be denied she remains relevant. From her outlandish music video showcasing unique visuals to her nostalgic recreation of iconic magazine covers and now, the blending of fashion ethics with consumerism, she manages to stay one step ahead. This holiday season not only marks her continued presence but also highlights the interplay between her brand partnerships, personal branding, and public persona.
Recently photographed on various occasions sporting her brand, even on scooters with her broken foot, it's clear Kardashian doesn’t shy away from eye-catching moments. Whether it’s through music, innovative fashion statements, or ground-breaking marketing strategies, she maintains her status as one of the most prominent figures within pop culture today.
Kardashian's holiday ventures will only continue to remain a hot topic, as fans and critics alike will be watching her every move. From the over-the-top to the nostalgic, Kim Kardashian reminds us all—she's not going anywhere, and she’s here to celebrate the holidays her way.