Kim Kardashian has broken her silence over the controversy surrounding her recently unveiled shapewear collection which she has bafflingly dubbed “Kimono Solutionwear.“
The new line, which Kardashian revealed on Tuesday as a project she supposedly has “been passionate about for 15 years,” was widely criticized for alleged cultural appropriation.
Online, netizens also blasted her for filing a trademark for the word ‘Kimono,’ which was taken from the Japanese traditional clothing.
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Kardashian had reportedly filed to trademark “Kimono” and variations of the name, such as Kimono Body, Kimono World, and Kimono Intimates.
Based on the filing, a wide range of products under the Kimono brand will be sold in the future, including lingerie, luggage, fragrances, and sandals.
On Thursday, the name of the shapewear line has inspired the hashtag #KimOhNo, which became a trending topic on Twitter.
A Change.org petition demanding Kardashian to change the name has so far generated over 30,000 signatures as of this writing.
“I do not wish to share the word with an underwear brand,” the petition read. ‘Kimono’ means ‘clothing’ in Japanese.”
Based on Kardashian’s recent statement, however, it is apparent that she intends to keep the Kimono name despite the widespread calls for her to rename her shapewear line.
After staying silent on social media, Kim responded to the backlash via a statement to The New York Times.
According to Kim, she had named the line Kimono as a “nod to the beauty and detail that goes into a garment.”
She added that she has no intention of ever selling anything that would “resemble or dishonor” the traditional Japanese clothing.
“I understand and have a deep respect for the significance of the kimono in Japanese culture,” she further stated.
Addressing the issue of trademarking the name, Kardashian explained that it was meant to be a “source identifier” which she would use for her shapewear and intimates line. She added that she wouldn’t “preclude or restrict anyone, in this instance, from making kimonos or using the word kimono in reference to the traditional garment.”
