Kim K Has Addressed The Controversy Surrounding Her New Kimono Shapewear Range

 

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A post shared by Kim Kardashian West (@kimkardashian) on Jun 25, 2019 at 6:00am PDT

Kim Kardashian West has responded to criticism surrounding her new shapewear range.

The reality star launched the line, named Kimono, this month featuring a collection of bodysuits, bras and underwear.

And while many Spanx fans are excited about the star’s new pieces, others are taking issue with the name.

This is the solution short.
I developed this style for all of those times I wanted to wear a dress or skirt with a slit and still needed the support. @kimonobody pic.twitter.com/0GO7ZP1A9Y

— Kim Kardashian West (@KimKardashian) June 25, 2019

Of course, Kimono is traditionally known as a Japanese garment and in more recent times it’s associated with long Japanese robes.

People were even more annoyed to find that Kim was appliying for trademarks.

Nice underwear, but as a Japanese woman who loves to wear our traditional dress,? kimono, I find the naming of your products baffling (since it has no resemblance to kimono), if not outright culturally offensive, especially if it’s merely a word play on your name. Pls reconsider

— Yuko Kato (@yukokato1701) June 26, 2019

Kim, please change the name?
You don’t understand and respect for the kimono and Japanese culture at all! We are disappointed with you. Your statement was awful.

— 漣改 (@sazanamimod) June 28, 2019

The reason why ppl didn’t name their company/brand ‘kimono’ before you did to monopolize it, is because they had common sense. I wish Japanese people including myself never had a chance to know you, but now we do. Please change the name.

— mashiro*マシロ (@_true_lies___) June 28, 2019

But Kim is sticking by her decision to keep the name, according to a recent statement.

The star said that it was “a nod to the beauty and detail that goes into a garment.”

“I understand and have a deep respect for the significance of the kimono in Japanese culture,” the 38-year-old told the New York Times.

She added that she has no plans “to design or release any garments that would in any way resemble or dishonour the traditional garment.

She added, “My solution wear brand is built with inclusivity and diversity at its core and I’m incredibly proud of what’s to come.”

Speaking about the trademark she added: “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.”