A Tale of Small Business Resilience against a celebrity-backed powerhouse.
Santa Monica, CA– (OCTOBER 31, 2023): Perkies, a pioneering small business founded by Rosie Mangiarotti, is impeded as it contends with Kim Kardashian’s SKIMS line the “Nipple Bra ” that has copied their unique concept of Perkies Nips. The implications of this situation are alarming for Perkies, a small brand built on innovation and sustainability, which may now struggle to compete against a celebrity-backed powerhouse.
Rosie Mangiarotti, a 27-year-old, has poured her heart and soul into creating Perkies, which was formally introduced in 2021 after three years of extensive research and development. The brand revolutionized the sticky bra industry by developing sticky bras with reusable and replaceable adhesive technology made from proprietary, medical-grade silicone layered adhesives. This breakthrough design not only offers a cleaner and more sustainable alternative but also eliminates the wasteful “wear and toss” cycle associated with traditional sticky bras.
Perkies’ product lineup, including Perkies Petals Nipple Covers and Perkies Nips Nipple Enhancers, has garnered significant attention for its innovation and support of breast cancer initiatives. Rosie Mangiarotti has launched her products on some of the industry’s biggest retail websites including Urban Outfitters, Aritzia, and Shopbop. Perkies’ commitment to breast cancer awareness and its role as an accessory for cancer patients who have undergone mastectomies who seek the normalcy and confidence in having nipples, further demonstrates the brand’s dedication to making a positive impact.
However, the recent announcement of the SKIMS “Nipple Bra” by Kim Kardashian, coinciding with the holiday season, has left Perkies in a precarious position. The similarities between SKIMS’ newly launched bra, and Perkies’ original concept of Perkies Nips are difficult to ignore. The shock experienced by Rosie Mangiarotti, who invested years of blood, sweat, and tears into her small business, cannot be understated.
Rather than look at the potential consequences as devastating and a threat to Perkies’ survival, Rosie Mangiarotti has taken the high road. In a LinkedIn post released earlier this week, Rosie highlighted the potential benefits of this unexpected turn of events, stating, “The Kardashian stamp of approval on our #freethenip concept, and the normalization of this trend, is more than I could have ever hoped for. Additionally, by having SKIMS align with our concept, we get to leverage their substantial marketing efforts to introduce our Perkies Nips to a broader audience.” She further emphasized the advantages, saying, “Perkies Nips offer flexibility with their medical-grade adhesive backing technology, allowing them to be placed anywhere on a woman’s breast. Our product can even be adhered directly to a bra, providing lift while showcasing the nips, catering to a range of preferences.” Rosie also highlighted the superior versatility of Perkies Nips, stating, “Perkies Nips are incredibly versatile and can be worn with virtually any outfit, including backless, strapless, and halter tops, dresses, and even swimwear, thanks to their waterproof design.” She concluded by expressing her excitement about the future of Perkies Nips, noting, “It’s a testament that we are onto something extraordinary, and I’m excited about the future of Perkies Nips.”
Perkies urges the community to recognize the importance of supporting small businesses like theirs, which rely on genuine innovation and dedication to thrive. Rosie Mangiarotti’s vision, as a young entrepreneur, deserves recognition and respect. Small businesses contribute significantly to the fabric of our society, bringing fresh ideas, diversity, and economic growth. It is our hope that Perkies can continue making a positive impact within the industry while preserving the integrity of small businesses.
About Perkies:
Twenty-seven-year old founder Rosie Mangiarotti introduced Perkies in 2021 after three years of intensive research and development. The forward-thinking brand is the future of sticky bras, nipple covers and most recently, nipple enhancers. Perkies debuted the patent pending, “Perkies Nips: Nipple Enhancers”, in 2022 after noticing the #freethenip trend catching fire and after hearing feedback from breast cancer survivors who no longer have nipples post mastectomy. In addition to creating innovative undergarments, Perkies also donates 5% or website sales to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation, an organization that’s mission is to advance the world’s most promising research to eradicate breast cancer. Follow @myperkies on Instagram and titkok for style inspiration, real-world reviews, and brand updates.