Kim Kardashian has announced that she is changing the name of her controversial shapewear collection amid an unrelenting public backlash.
Initially called “Kimono Solutionwear,“ the new brand faced criticism online immediately after the TV reality show star unveiled it on her social media accounts on June 25.
Netizens blasted her for alleged cultural appropriation and for filing a trademark for the word “Kimono,” which was taken from the Japanese traditional clothing.
After a few days of silence, Kardashian first responded with defiance, revealing via a statement to The New York Times that she intends to keep the Kimono name despite the widespread calls for her to rename it.
“I understand and have a deep respect for the significance of the kimono in Japanese culture,” Kardashian was then quoted as saying.
Subscribe to
NextShark's Newsletter
A daily dose of Asian America's essential stories, in under 5 minutes.
Get our collection of Asian America's most essential stories to your inbox daily for free.
Unsure? Check out our Newsletter Archive.
She explained that she chose the Kimono name as a “nod to the beauty and detail that goes into a garment.”
However, Kardashian apparently gave in to the public outcry and decided to announce that she is changing the name of her recently unveiled collection of shapewear.
“I will be launching my Solutionwear brand under a new name,” Kardashian wrote in an Instagram post on Monday.
Attributing her growth as an entrepreneur to her “direct line of communication with my fans and the public,” she noted that she is “always listening, learning and growing – I so appreciate the passion and varied perspectives that people bring to me.”
Kardashian further explained that she announced the brand name last week “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.”
Her full statement is below:
“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. 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.”
Featured Image via Instagram / kimkardashian
