The underwear brand SKIMS, owned by social media celebrity Kim Kardashian (44), is being mocked online for a marketing event.
According to the UK Daily Mail on the 5th (local time), SKIMS set up a giant 60-foot (approximately 18m) bikini balloon in the middle of Times Square in New York City. This installation commemorates the launch of the brand's new swimwear, depicting a blue triangle bikini similar to what Kardashian wore in a recent photo shoot.
The balloon is posed with its arms raised above its head, and a 1.2-meter tall blue platform bearing the brand logo is installed below. After the installation was revealed, internet users immediately reacted with mockery. One user scoffed, "Even the balloon seems to not want to be here," while another said, "It's inappropriate for a public place where children can see it."
Additionally, criticisms were made stating, "It presents an unrealistic depiction of women's bodies," and called it "the worst marketing, tacky and lacking empathy." There were also negative reactions such as, "Who approved this?" and "It's an invasion of public space."
Kardashian shared a photo of the balloon on her social media account, writing, "I can't believe my swimwear balloon is floating in the middle of Times Square." The official SKIMS account also posted a photo with the caption, "SKIMS swimwear has taken over Times Square."