Kim Kardashian Addresses Cultural Appropriation Claims Surrounding Kimono Shapewear Line

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Kim Kardashianis standing by her resolution to call her shapewear line Kimono.

In a press release to the New York Instances the KKW Magnificence founder is addressing the accusations that she is culturally appropriating the time period Kimono. Since saying the launch of the shapewear line, Kardashian has come underneath hearth for misrepresenting the standard Japanese garment and attempting to trademark Kimono, particularly contemplating it is place within the historical past of Japan. Furthermore, some folks appeared to search out it disrespectful that she used the phrase kimono in connection to pictures of ladies of their undergarments.

Whereas the moniker is partly impressed by her first identify, much like her Kimoji line, it’s also derived from the standard garment. In her assertion, she shares,”I made the choice to call my firm Kimono, to not disassociate the phrase from its Japanese roots however as a nod to the sweetness and element that goes right into a garment.”

“I perceive and have deep respect for the importance of the kimono in Japanese tradition,” the 38-year-old explains. 

She provides, “My solutionwear model is constructed with inclusivity and variety at its core and I am extremely happy with what’s to return.”

Good underwear, however as a Japanese girl who likes to put on our conventional costume,👘 kimono, I discover the naming of your merchandise baffling (because it has no resemblance to kimono), if not outright culturally offensive, particularly if it’s merely a phrase play in your identify. Pls rethink

— Yuko Kato (@yukokato1701) June 26, 2019

The already well-liked undergarment assortment is ready for launch in July and can embody bras, bodysuits, briefs and shorts. Nonetheless, Kim insists that regardless of the identify she doesn’t intend to “design or launch any clothes that may in any manner resemble or dishonor the standard garment.”

Kardashian additionally clarifies that her resolution to trademark the identify doesn’t “preclude or limit anybody, on this occasion, from making kimonos or utilizing the phrase kimono in reference to the standard garment.” 

Watch half two of the Retaining Up With the Kardashians two-part season finale Sunday at 9 p.m., solely on E!