Business Wars

Spanx vs Skims | Not Your Grandmother’s Girdle | 1

31 snips
Mar 19, 2025
Discover how a fashion emergency at the Cannes Film Festival led to a revolutionary idea for shapewear. Dive into the fierce competition between Spanx and Skims, and witness the incredible journey from a pair of modified pantyhose to industry-changing innovations. Learn about the challenges faced by the fearless founder, including a high-stakes pitch and the monumental moment of appearing on The Oprah Winfrey Show. It’s a tale of resilience, empowerment, and the quest for body positivity in the evolving fashion landscape.
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ANECDOTE

Kardashian's Cannes Inspiration

  • Kim Kardashian, struggling with ill-fitting shapewear at Cannes, had an idea.
  • She decided to create her own shapewear line, aiming to revolutionize the market.
ANECDOTE

Blakely's Pantyhose Solution

  • In 1998, Sara Blakely, frustrated with existing shapewear, cut the feet off pantyhose.
  • This DIY solution sparked her idea for Spanx.
ANECDOTE

The Bathroom Pitch

  • Blakely pitched Spanx to Neiman Marcus, demonstrating the product's effectiveness in the restroom.
  • This unconventional approach secured her first order.
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