Kim Kardashian-West got herself into a hell of a controversy after she announced to the public her new clothing line called Kimono Shapewear. Many individuals voiced out their displeasure over Kim’s decision to trademark the name of Japan’s traditional garment, to the point that they created the hashtag #KimOhNo.
Many Japanese women took to social media to share what the true Japanese kimono looked like and to defend their culture from such appropriation. “My kimono is not your underwear,” they all wrote.
Finally I can share with you guys this project that I have been developing for the last year.
I’ve been passionate about this for 15 years.Kimono is my take on shapewear and solutions for women that actually work.
Photos by Vanessa Beecroft pic.twitter.com/YAACrRltX3
— Kim Kardashian West (@KimKardashian) June 25, 2019
My cultures not your underwear. #KimOhNo pic.twitter.com/kePFwOdQdE
— Mayumi Narako (@MayumiNarako) June 26, 2019
Kimono is not underwear.
It is Japanese traditional outfit.#kimono #KimOhNo pic.twitter.com/kdfbMr9geB— ぬえ (@yosinotennin) June 26, 2019
My grandmother and I. #notyourunderwear #KimOhNo pic.twitter.com/XwpigcqQ0M
— 栗男✨ (@tlmunderground) June 26, 2019
In her defense against all this, she explained in a statement she released in The New York Times that her usage of the word kimono was meant to be “a nod to the beauty and detail that goes into a garment” and that she has no plans “to design or release any garments that would in any way resemble or dishonor the traditional garment.”
“I understand and have deep respect for the significance of the kimono in Japanese culture,” she added.
However, with the pressure to change her brand name getting too intense, Kim has decided to give in to the public outcry.
In an Instagram post she released on Monday, July 1, Kim announced that she will be launching her clothing line under a new name. “Being an entrepreneur and my own boss has been one of the most rewarding challenges I’ve been blessed with in my life,” she noted. “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. I am always listening, learning and growing – I so appreciate the passion and varied perspectives that people bring to me.”
She further explained, “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.”
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This decision also comes after the Mayor of Kyoto, Daisaku Kadokawa, pleaded to Kim to reconsider her trademark in an official statement released over the weekend. “Kimono is a traditional ethnic dress fostered in our rich nature and history with our predecessors’ tireless endeavours and studies, and it is a culture that has been cherished and passed down with care in our living. Also, it is a fruit of craftsmanship and truly symbolizes sense of beauty, spirits and values of Japanese,” he explained.
“We think that the names for ‘Kimono’ are the asset shared with all humanity who love Kimono and its culture therefore they should not be monopolized,” he added.
(ALSO READ: Got 24 Hours in Kyoto? Here are 4 Beautiful Places You Can See in a Day)
What do you think about this issue surrounding Kim Kardashian-West’s brand name? Share your thoughts and opinions with us in the comments!
