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A week after unveiling her shapewear label, Kimono, Kim Kardashian has capitulated to pressure and vowed to re-name the brand.
Kardashian was widely accused of cultural appropriation for not only using ‘Kimono’, the traditional and sacred Japanese dress, but trademarking it – so Japanese brands would not be allowed to use the word in America.
In a statement posted to Instagram, Kardashian said:
“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.
“I am always listening, learning and growing – I so appreciate the passion and varied perspectives that people bring to me,” she continued.
“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.”
The backlash to Kardashian’s use of the word kimono was widespread but particularly strong in Japan, where the mayor of Kyoto, Daisaku Kadokawa, penned an open letter to the reality star, urging her to understand how disrespectful it was.
Kadokawa explained the kimono is “a fruit of craftsmanship” that “truly symbolises [the] sense of beauty, spirits and values of [the] Japanese” that “should not be monopolised”.
A change.org petition was soon launched, and the glorious hashtag #KimOhNo started trending on Twitter, with Japanese people expressing their anger and hurt at such an important cultural symbol being co-opted to sell underwear.
Kardashian-West has undoubtedly made the right decision. By owning her mistake and promising that she’s learned and grown from the experience, she turned a PR disaster into a ‘woke’ moment, and silenced her haters in an instant.
