### Kim Kardashian's Skims Launches Controversial 60-Foot Inflatable in Times Square In a bold marketing move, Kim Kardashian's shapewear brand, Skims, unveiled a striking 60-foot inflatable balloon resembling the reality star in a bikini, positioned prominently in Times Square. This eye-catching installation, aimed at promoting Skims' new swimwear collection, has sparked a mix of shock, amusement, and criticism among onlookers and social media users alike. The balloon's exaggerated features, including a notably large posterior, have drawn both attention and ridicule, highlighting the ongoing conversation about body image and celebrity culture in contemporary advertising. ### Breakdown of the Event and Reactions 1. **Event Overview** - The inflatable balloon was installed on March 4, 2025, in Times Square, a major tourist hub in New York City, to promote Skims' latest swimwear line [https://www.nydailynews.com/2025/03/04/kim-kardashian-times-square-balloon-skims-swimwear]. - The balloon's design features Kardashian in a skimpy bikini, measuring 60 feet in length, which has been described as both "jarring" and "tacky" by various observers [https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/fashion/kim-kardashians-tacky-giant-bikini-balloon-at-new-yorks-times-square-irks-internet-101741153647702.html]. 2. **Public and Online Reactions** - Many pedestrians expressed shock and amusement, with some describing the balloon as "terrifying" and "beyond weird" [https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/reality-tv/a64058743/kim-kardashian-60-foot-blow-up-doll]. - Social media reactions have been mixed, with some users mocking the installation while others defended it as a bold marketing strategy [https://ca.news.yahoo.com/mad-insane-internet-reacts-60-005133546.html]. 3. **Cultural Implications** - The balloon has reignited discussions about body image and the portrayal of women in media, with critics arguing that such marketing tactics can perpetuate unrealistic beauty standards [https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-14462733/Kim-Kardashian-skims-bikini-balloon-doll-ridiculed.html]. - Supporters of Kardashian's brand argue that it empowers women to embrace their bodies, regardless of societal expectations [https://www.the-sun.com/entertainment/13684825/kim-kardashian-gigantic-balloon-bikini-nyc-skims]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Installation Details** - Date: March 4, 2025 - Location: Times Square, New York City - Size: 60 feet long, featuring a bikini-clad Kim Kardashian - **Public Sentiment** - Mixed reactions on social media platforms, with notable phrases including "jarring," "tacky," and "beyond weird" frequently appearing in comments [https://sg.news.yahoo.com/kim-kardashian-beyond-weird-60-231900215.html]. ### Conclusion: A Bold Marketing Stunt with Mixed Reactions In summary, Kim Kardashian's Skims brand has made a significant splash with its 60-foot inflatable balloon in Times Square, aiming to promote its new swimwear collection. The event has generated a wide array of reactions, from shock and ridicule to discussions about body image and marketing ethics. 1. **Key Takeaway**: The installation has successfully captured public attention, albeit with a controversial reception. 2. **Cultural Reflection**: It serves as a reminder of the ongoing debates surrounding celebrity culture and body positivity in advertising. 3. **Future Implications**: The mixed reactions may influence how brands approach similar marketing strategies in the future, balancing attention-grabbing tactics with social responsibility [https://wwd.com/pop-culture/celebrity-news/skims-kim-kardashian-times-square-nyc-balloon-1237020698].