Mariah the Scientist Skims x Cactus Plant Flea Market Cam…

Few singers have had as big of a year as Mariah the Scientist. Along with a critically-acclaimed album and multiple hit singles like “Burning Blue,” she has also stayed in the headlines for her wardrobe full of archival fashion and memorable looks sitting front row at runway shows.

Skims has also dominated 2025. From a collaboration with Roberto Cavalli to the opening of flagships in New York City and Los Angeles to the launch of NikeSKIMS, its recent $5 billion valuation should come as no surprise.

The two superstars of their respective industries have come together for Skims’ latest collaboration with one of the biggest streetwear brands in the game, Cactus Plant Flea Market.

The limited-edition holiday collection fuses CPFM’s whimsical approach to graphics, this time in the form of a teddy bear, with Skims’ cozy loungewear Along with Mariah, the campaign features a diverse roster of influential figures including North West, Ken Carson, Beabadoobee, Madeline Argy, Veneda Carter, and her daughter Bobbi. The project perfect encapsulates what Kim Kardashian and Emma Grede have built Skims into: a modern empire defined by quality products, viral marketing, and high-profile collaborations.

Ahead of the launch, we spoke with one of the biggest R&B singers of 2025, Mariah the Scientist, to learn more about the collection, what it was like working with Kardashian, her hit single “Burning Blue” being co-signed by Rihanna, and more.

Skims has had a ton of great campaigns featuring some of the biggest names. How does it feel to now be part of that category?
It’s very flattering and very prestigious considering Skims has been a highly sought after brand and has proven to maintain much exclusivity in the marketplace. I’m very honored to work with such a progressive brand backed by such influential people.

What was it like working with everyone, especially Kim?
Meeting Kim, her team, and her family was lovely. They were extremely hospitable and considerate. Kim is a tiny little thing, but she really packs a punch as a businesswoman. She’s so sweet and I truly value the relationship with her and the team.

What’s your favorite piece from this Skims x CPFM collection?
I loved the holiday slippers and the long johns. Those were what l missed being in the most once the shoot was wrapped.

With this being a Skims Holiday campaign, what’s your favorite holiday? Any holiday traditions?
My favorite holiday always has been and always will be Valentine’s Day. However, my favorite holiday tradition has been cutting down my own Christmas tree with my dad. I haven’t done it in a while, but I would love to do it again soon. 

CPFM has a very distinct design language. What do you like most about the brand and its products?
CPFM is a really fun brand and has proven not to be as fickle and transient as some other streetwear brands. Its products are of such great quality and have also withstood the test of time and exclusivity, similar to Skims.

CPFM is one of the biggest streetwear brands today. What is your favorite streetwear brand currently?
Besides CPFM, I believe my favorite streetwear brand would be Sp5der. They also maintain great product quality and have started to expand beyond the basics. I value my collaborations with them and am very proud to watch their growth.

You’ve walked in a runway show, and now you’re starring in fashion campaigns. Do you want to dive deeper into the fashion space? What would your next fashion endeavor be?
I could see myself taking another stab at walking in a show or even helping curate a show. I could also see myself releasing some individual pieces. From what I’ve learned, running a successful fashion brand is no easy feat.

You attended the LaQuan Smith show during NYFW and broke the internet with your new look. Was that planned or spontaneous? Are there any new hairstyles you’d like to try?
Arrogant Tae and I had discussed having a platinum blonde moment for a while and we seized the opportunity. I’ve actually only ever been to two New York Fashion Week shows in my life besides the one I walked in. They were both LaQuan Smith shows. The first was back in 2019. I’m a huge fan of his work and absolutely loved the look for the night. He’s also amazing. And as for Tae, I can always count on him to encourage me to try something new every time we work together.

If you could collaborate with any designer to create a stage outfit, who would it be?
Skims, of course. Seks, who created my toy soldier look, as well. Based on what designers are most popular in my personal closet, maybe Roberto Cavalli or Rene Caovilla. I am also very interested in more of the avant-garde fashion houses.

Your custom army gear look featured on the Hearts Sold Separately album was one of the coolest looks we’ve seen in a while. What was it like working with Seks to bring that look to life?
I’ve never experienced such amazing craftsmanship in anything that’s ever been created custom for me. The look we realized together is really a work of art and embodies museum memorabilia, to me. Their designers are doing state of the art things and are in a lane of their own.

“Burning Blue” has become an internet sensation and garnered a ton of support. Whose reaction to the song meant the most to you?
Well, Rihanna’s reaction was most surprising, but I feel like my fans really shook the table with that one. They put me in such a spot of significant gain and made me feel more supported than ever considering it had been a few years since I dropped a single or project.

How did it feel to see so many people dress up as you for Halloween?
I wish I could’ve been a part of the production of the costumes for Halloween, but clearly they didn’t need much help. They did so amazing. I’m considering releasing a version as either a Christmas novelty or something for my tour. It’s been a very special and iconic look, and I’m so smitten with the idea of it having been recreated on such a vast level. I mean, hundreds of people recreated it.

You and Kali Uchis also created a hit with “Is it a Crime.” Is there anyone specific you want to work with next?
I would love to work with more of the ladies as well as people who push genre envelopes. I have diverse music tastes and I would like to explore what those collaborations would sound like.