Kim Kardashian is dealing with not one, but two, controversies on Twitter right now, and honestly, it seems exhausting. Not only are some fans calling out her new Body Foundation for promoting unrealistic beauty standards (more on that over here), but people are not down with name of her new shapewear line: Kimono.
Kimonos are traditional Japanese garments that have zero to do with SPANX-esque shapewear. And it’s one thing for Kim to use the name. It’s another for her to try and trademark it, which is exactly what she did according to the Los Angeles Times (Kimono, Kimono Body, Kimono Intimates, and Kimono World are among the trademarks filed and waiting for review).
Critics are taking to social media to call Kim out for appropriation, with comments ranging from “My culture is not your plaything,” to “My culture is not your brand name generator.” People are also sharing pictures of themselves in *actual* kimonos as a reminder about where the name originates from.
Kim Kardashian Reacts to Backlash
Kim Kardashian just publicly responded to the outcry over her new shapewear line being named Kimono. She released a statement to The New York Times, while telling them she has no plans to respond to the reaction by changing the line’s name. The statement reads:
“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. 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.”
