Leather brand Skiim sets out to conquer the U.S.

By

Tanissia Issad

Published
Apr 25, 2018

After only three seasons in existence, Caroline Sciamma-Massenet's luxury brand Skiim is already receiving orders from presitigious department stores: Brown in London, Aïshti in Lebanon, Paris' Le Bon Marché, and now two new locations in New York, and all achieved in less than a year. The young label is specialized in responsible leather, made from skins sourced sourced exclusively from the meat industry, and is preparing for its entry into the US market through department store Bergdorf Goodman and concept store Kirna Zabête, both located in New York. 

Taking on the American market seemed like a logical step for a brand which is already present on the West Coast-based luxury e-commerce site Moda Operandi. This platform was selected after analysis of orders made on Skiim's own e-shop identified a strong demand in the region. The brand is also present online through British fashion e-commerce platform Farfetch, co-run by Natalie Massenet, first wife of Caroline Sciamma-Massenet's current husband Arnaud Massenet – a French hedge fund manager with whom the designer also owns all of Skiim's shares. 
 
Among the other geographical zones that the former model and Vogue Paris stylist is hoping to conquer, is the Middle East, where she believes her luxury pieces could be particularly popular. 

Adopting a new rhythm for her collections, through which the ten models of her permanent line "Classique" are revealed in new colorways ahead of each season, Caroline Sciamma-Massenet is also hoping to retain the attention of her clientele for longer. 

And if the designer doesn't seem too worried about the possibility of her niche brand losing appeal over time, she nonetheless included a selection of pieces in her equestrian-themed fall/winter 2018 collection which were not made exclusively from leather. From now on, as well as sheepskin, suede and calfskin, Skiim customers can also count on delicate lace to enhance their necklines or decorate fine leather blouses in order to achieve a lighter, evening look. 
 
In 2019, the brand, whose fans include British socialite Poppy Delevingne and American model Arizona Muse, as well as French makeup artist and Estée Lauder beauty director   Violette, is hoping to launch a line of bags and footwear. The move would certainly make a lot of sense for the leather-focused brand and might even allow Skiim to envisage a store opening in the coming years, by rounding out the label's offer.