Kim Kardashian renames ‘Kimono’ shapewear line amid cultural appropriation outcry
Kim Kardashian has announced via her social media channels that she’ll rename her shapewear line.
The reality star’s announcement comes following a cultural appropriation row over the brand’s ill-fated name, Kimono, which will see the Japanese government sending officials to the US next week to discuss the incident.
In posts on Twitter and Instagram, Kim, 38, said: “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.”
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. pic.twitter.com/IB5cto7Mlj
— Kim Kardashian West (@KimKardashian) July 1, 2019
Kim, 38, reportedly filed to trademark the word ‘Kimono’ along with the phrase ‘Kimono body’.
It’s thought the name was chosen for being a play on her name – although Kardashian never clarified this.
The incident soon sparked an outcry on social media, with people globally highlighting the cultural significance of the word kimono, a traditional Japanese garment.
![Kim Kardashian (right) and Japanese Trade Minister Hiroshige Seko. [Photo: Twitter/Getty]](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/75Yo4JY49Y0A418bSNC_BA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTUxNw--/https://media-mbst-pub-ue1.s3.amazonaws.com/creatr-uploaded-images/2019-07/2a57b3a0-9c9d-11e9-afd7-671e7b456c98)
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Despite the development, the government of Japan will still be sending patent executives to the US Patent and Trademark Office next week, according to Reuters.
“This has become a big deal on social media,” Trade Minister Hiroshige Seko said in a press conference yesterday.
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Seko is aware of Kardashian’s intention to change her brand name, but says the visit will nevertheless take place on 9 July to give a “careful examination” of the incident.
“The kimono is regarded around the world as a distinct part of our culture,” added Seko. “Even in America, kimono is well known to be Japanese.”
Kardashian courts her fair share of controversy, from parenting debates to controversial outfits.
This isn’t the first time she has been accused of cultural appropriation. In January last year, she took to Instagram to show off her so-called “Bo Derek” braids – but was soon met with backlash on social media.
