Kim Kardashian renames 'Kimono' shapewear line following cultural appropriation backlash

Posted by Ando, 02 Jul

Photo credit: JStone / Shutterstock.com

Kim Kardashian has decided to rename her ‘Kimono’ line of shapewear, after receiving severe backlash about the name.

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The ‘Kimono’ name sparked controversy as soon as it was revealed, as Kim was accused of culturally appropriating the name for the Japanese traditional garment.

Keen to not upset any more people, Kim Kardashian quickly released a statement apologizing for her mistake, and revealed that she would be changing the name immediately – despite originally being reluctant to do so…

"Being an entrepreneur and my own boss has been one of the most rewarding challenges I've been blessed with in my life. What's made it possible for me after all of these years has been the direct line of communication with my fans and the public," Kim Kardashian wrote on Twitter.

"I am always listening, learning and growing - I so appreciate the passion and varied perspectives that people bring to me. When I announced the name of my shapewear line, I did so with the best intentions in mind.

“My brands and products are built with inclusivity and diversity at their core and after careful thought and consideration, I will be launching my Solutionwear brand under a new name.

“I will be in touch soon. Thank you for your understanding and support always."

We wonder what the new name will be…

Kim previously tried to defend the name to her fans and critics, but it looks like she finally realized she was fighting a losing battle…

"I understand and have deep respect for the significance of the kimono in Japanese culture and have no plans to design or release any garments that would in any way resemble or dishonor the traditional garment," Kim Kardashian previously said in a statement, when the first signs of backlash appeared.

"I made the decision to name my company Kimono, not to disassociate the word from its Japanese roots but as a nod to the beauty and detail that goes into a garment.

“Filing a trademark is a source identifier that will allow me to use the word for my shapewear and intimates line but does not preclude or restrict anyone, in this instance, from making kimonos or using the word kimono in reference to the traditional garment.

“My solutionwear brand is built with inclusivity and diversity at its core and I'm incredibly proud of what's to come."

Regardless of her original intentions, we’re glad she took the time to listen to her fans and critics and rethink the name.

We definitely think she made a wise decision!

2 responses to "Kim Kardashian renames 'Kimono' shapewear line following cultural appropriation backlash"

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  1. Posted: 31 Dec 19

    I'm 100% in agreement with you, StyxFan77. Tried to give you a green thumbs up but it's non responsive. I'd like to add, if anybody wants to talk about "cultural appropriation", I'd like to know why the Japanese people have appropriated our American culture. Why do all their businessmen and women try to look like us? Do they hate their own culture? Kim needs to ask these questions of everyone who contacted her.

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  2.   StyxFan77 says:
    Posted: 03 Jul 19

    I'm willing to bet that the "backlash" came from WHITE LIBERALS and not one single Japanese person. I'm no fan of Kim K but she should toughen up and not bow down to the liberal nonsense of this society. The more we keep buckling to the crybaby liberals and giving them what they want, the more they're going to keep trying other people on other topics until the entire world is communist. BYE LIBERALS. Your days are numbered.

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