When the first grainy, high-flash images of the Sabrina Carpenter Skims photoshoot hit the internet in April 2024, people didn't just look—they obsessed. It was a cultural collision. On one side, you had Kim Kardashian’s shapewear empire, which has basically become the unofficial uniform of the 2020s. On the other, you had Sabrina, a pop star who was fresh off the Eras Tour and about to drop "Espresso," the song that would eventually define that entire summer.
The vibe was immediate.
Think back to those messy 1990s bedrooms. We're talking blue shag carpets, walls plastered with boy band posters, and stacks of CDs that nobody actually listens to anymore. It felt like a fever dream of Gen Z nostalgia. But while the internet was busy arguing about whether she was betraying Taylor Swift by working with Kim, the actual details of the shoot told a much more interesting story about a star who finally found her "brand."
The Creative Genius Behind the Lens
Honestly, the look of this campaign wasn't an accident. It was shot by Jack Bridgland. If you don't know the name, you definitely know the style. He’s the guy who shot that viral Robert Pattinson GQ cover where he looked like a chaotic bleached-blonde raver. Bridgland is known for using really aggressive, saturated lighting and a sort of "kinda weird, kinda cool" kitschy aesthetic.
For the Sabrina Carpenter Skims photoshoot, he leaned hard into a very specific type of femininity. It wasn’t just "sexy"; it was playful.
What she actually wore
The campaign focused on two specific lines:
- Stretch Lace: This was the delicate stuff—think baby pink teddies and tiny rosettes.
- Fits Everybody: These are the buttery, second-skin pieces Skims is famous for.
Sabrina later admitted to W Magazine that she was actually surprised by some of the colors. She’s a pink girl through and through, but they put her in a tangerine bodysuit that she ended up loving. In fact, she reportedly asked for permission to "steal" the clothes after the shoot was over. They told her she could keep everything. I mean, wouldn't you?
That Taylor Swift "Drama" Everyone Talked About
You can't talk about anything Sabrina does without mentioning the Taylor Swift connection. Since Sabrina opened for the Eras Tour, the "Swifties" are protective. When the Skims ads dropped, the comments sections were a war zone. People were convinced there was "beef" because of the decades-long feud between Taylor and Kim Kardashian.
But here is the reality: Sabrina is smarter than the internet gives her credit for.
She actually spoke to Rolling Stone and Variety about this. She said she was "very, very communicative" with Taylor about the whole thing. There was no secret betrayal. Honestly, it's 2026 now, and we can clearly see that these pop stars aren't playing the same petty games the fans are. Sabrina basically said she doesn't have time to be tuned into every little internet conspiracy because she’s, you know, busy being a global superstar.
The Aesthetic Shift: From Disney to Bombshell
This photoshoot marked a massive turning point for her image. Before this, people still kinda saw her as the girl from Girl Meets World. This campaign changed that narrative instantly.
Kim Kardashian herself said Sabrina has that "it factor" that resonates with the next generation. It’s a mix of old Hollywood glamour and a very modern, cheeky humor.
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- The Hair: Scott King gave her that signature bouncy blowout.
- The Makeup: Carolina Gonzalez used Armani Beauty (specifically the Prisma Glass lip gloss in "Berry Beam") to get that "doll-like" finish.
- The Set: It wasn't a sterile studio. They built a room that felt lived-in, complete with a retro landline phone.
Why it Worked (And Why We Still Care)
Most celebrity brand deals feel forced. This one didn't. Sabrina has been wearing Skims on the road for years because, as she put it, it's actually comfortable when you're traveling. That authenticity is rare.
The photoshoot also happened right before her Coachella debut. The timing was perfect. It was a "coming out" party for her as a fashion icon, not just a singer. She proved she could handle the high-pressure world of high-fashion marketing without losing the "wink-and-a-nod" personality that makes her fans love her.
Key Takeaways for Fans
If you're trying to recreate the look from the Sabrina Carpenter Skims photoshoot, you don't actually need a million dollars.
- Focus on the textures: Mix delicate lace with super-stretchy basics.
- The "Coquette" Aesthetic: It’s all about the bows and the pastel palette.
- Confidence: Sabrina’s biggest takeaway from the shoot was that she felt like she was "playing in her bedroom." It shouldn't feel stiff or serious.
To get the exact look, you can still find the Fits Everybody and Stretch Lace collections on the Skims website, though many of the specific "Sabrina colors" like the Cotton Candy pink sold out almost immediately. Keep an eye on resale sites like Poshmark or Depop if you missed the original drop.