Your writing here just prompted a googling spree going from "Kim Kardashian investors" > an article saying that Skims got $154 million dollars in funding last year >Thrive Capital, a venture capital firm started by Joshua Kushner (Ivanka Tr*mp's husband's brother) that invests in Skims, also invests in Glossier, Stripe, dozens of web-brands...
Their website contains NOTHING except like two pages with an about description "We partner with exceptional founders to catalyze the creation of world-class companies."
Just dizzying thinking about 1) how these pools of capital are created off the backs of like, real working people, 2) how the capital is used like freaking play-money for brands like Kim to diversify their portfolios, and 3) how these brands are marketed to the same real human people who created the wealth in the first place. Like... thanks for harvesting raw materials and living downwind of my toxic chemical factory - now put this oil on your face so you don't look like you've been worked to death!
I honestly didn't even think to check if her brands received outside funding (bc why would they need it??) but DAMN. This is gold. And it's so true! They have us all working multiple jobs and buying an under-eye cream instead of sleeping.
1000000% spot on! Thank you again and again for seeing through KK's deception and their lucrative empire that's feeding into an extremely toxic culture. Your journalism is always thorough, detailed, well-written, truthful, and INTERESTING! More people need to speak/ write the truth like you have! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Jun 5, 2022·edited Jun 5, 2022Liked by Jessica DeFino
Most depressing part of this is what brought this article about in the first place: the f#cking Times, self-proclaimed ,,best newspaper in the world”, caving to an infomercial about a useless new brand and its multimillionaire owner who has absolutely nothing interesting to say.
Thanks Jessica, subscribing to your newsletter was the BEST fucking decision! Your pieces are well researched, and I'm so thankful you always add links to the studies you reference. Bravo!
This is complicated. On the one hand we’re punished/ left out/ devalued for not looking like the idealized norm, on the other “Hope for transformation obscures the reality of harm.” Literally, harmed if you don’t, harmed if you do. What’s the way out? 🆘
The way out, I think, is to prioritize the collective. To practice community care. If you're harmed if you do, harmed if you don't, the clear answer (to me) is to choose the route that reduces future harm. To try our best not to perpetuate beauty standards that have the ability to physically/psychologically damage our fellow humans.
I also think it's helpful to keep in mind that globally, there are millions and even billions of women who don't look like the idealized norm — many who don't participate in beauty culture at all — who lead happy, fulfilled lives full of friends, family, lovers, partners, children, jobs, hobbies, love, joy!
Good job! I gave up on trying to follow beauty trends years ago, but I am stunned at what I hear about KK. Toxic culture is a good description of it. You're offering much needed information to younger women. As for getting a patootie operation, have mercy! How tragic is that?!
I have a short list of words that are acceptable on the internet for body parts. Guess what Willie and Whistle are codes for. This is not my idea. For instance, as I recall, I found 12 words in the Comanche dictionary for fleas.
God I always love your posts. I'm a copywriter who always dreamed of doing this kind of work (ended up in marketing, go figure)! If you ever need writers, I'd love to be one of the voices decrying this parasitic industry!
This is Genius and makes me laugh too! But, it is seriously serious! It is a disorder! It's a COVID but with a disguise and worse you can still believe you are ALIVE!
Your writing here just prompted a googling spree going from "Kim Kardashian investors" > an article saying that Skims got $154 million dollars in funding last year >Thrive Capital, a venture capital firm started by Joshua Kushner (Ivanka Tr*mp's husband's brother) that invests in Skims, also invests in Glossier, Stripe, dozens of web-brands...
Their website contains NOTHING except like two pages with an about description "We partner with exceptional founders to catalyze the creation of world-class companies."
Just dizzying thinking about 1) how these pools of capital are created off the backs of like, real working people, 2) how the capital is used like freaking play-money for brands like Kim to diversify their portfolios, and 3) how these brands are marketed to the same real human people who created the wealth in the first place. Like... thanks for harvesting raw materials and living downwind of my toxic chemical factory - now put this oil on your face so you don't look like you've been worked to death!
I honestly didn't even think to check if her brands received outside funding (bc why would they need it??) but DAMN. This is gold. And it's so true! They have us all working multiple jobs and buying an under-eye cream instead of sleeping.
1000000% spot on! Thank you again and again for seeing through KK's deception and their lucrative empire that's feeding into an extremely toxic culture. Your journalism is always thorough, detailed, well-written, truthful, and INTERESTING! More people need to speak/ write the truth like you have! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Thank you so much!!
Most depressing part of this is what brought this article about in the first place: the f#cking Times, self-proclaimed ,,best newspaper in the world”, caving to an infomercial about a useless new brand and its multimillionaire owner who has absolutely nothing interesting to say.
....can't say I disagree!!
I hate to say it, but this title rivals mine. And I love it. And everything else about your rant. Brilliant, brilliant commentary. xo
hahah i thought it might get some clicks!
good thinking!
I feel sad (and mad) that young girls are subjected / exposed / to this s***. Kardashian “beauty” is an ugly affair.
Thanks Jessica, subscribing to your newsletter was the BEST fucking decision! Your pieces are well researched, and I'm so thankful you always add links to the studies you reference. Bravo!
Ahh thank you!! That's so nice to hear :)
This is essential reading
lol thank you!
👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
I’m so thankful I learned of you and your work be happenstance while listening to Sounds Like a Cult. Your newsletter is a highlight of my day.
Ahh thank you!! That means so much to me <3
This is complicated. On the one hand we’re punished/ left out/ devalued for not looking like the idealized norm, on the other “Hope for transformation obscures the reality of harm.” Literally, harmed if you don’t, harmed if you do. What’s the way out? 🆘
The way out, I think, is to prioritize the collective. To practice community care. If you're harmed if you do, harmed if you don't, the clear answer (to me) is to choose the route that reduces future harm. To try our best not to perpetuate beauty standards that have the ability to physically/psychologically damage our fellow humans.
I also think it's helpful to keep in mind that globally, there are millions and even billions of women who don't look like the idealized norm — many who don't participate in beauty culture at all — who lead happy, fulfilled lives full of friends, family, lovers, partners, children, jobs, hobbies, love, joy!
Come to Holland and check them out!!
Excellent article! What a subject line!!!
haha thank you! <3
Wow. Fantastic article! Thank you. It's a pleasure reading your work.
Thank you so much!!
Ahahahahahaha.
Good job! I gave up on trying to follow beauty trends years ago, but I am stunned at what I hear about KK. Toxic culture is a good description of it. You're offering much needed information to younger women. As for getting a patootie operation, have mercy! How tragic is that?!
"patootie operation" is my new favorite phrase!!!
I have a short list of words that are acceptable on the internet for body parts. Guess what Willie and Whistle are codes for. This is not my idea. For instance, as I recall, I found 12 words in the Comanche dictionary for fleas.
God I always love your posts. I'm a copywriter who always dreamed of doing this kind of work (ended up in marketing, go figure)! If you ever need writers, I'd love to be one of the voices decrying this parasitic industry!
This is Genius and makes me laugh too! But, it is seriously serious! It is a disorder! It's a COVID but with a disguise and worse you can still believe you are ALIVE!