Kim Kardashian Announces She's Changing Kimono Shapewear Name Following Backlash
Members of the Kardashian/Jenner clan are no strangers to backlash on social media. The most recent incident involves Kim Kardashian and the launch of her new shapewear company, Kimono. The internet got angry because many believed she was appropriating a deeply symbolic garment of clothing from Japanese culture while she herself has no roots in the country.
Finally I can share with you guys this project that I have been developing for the last year.
— Kim Kardashian West (@KimKardashian) June 25, 2019
I’ve been passionate about this for 15 years.
Kimono is my take on shapewear and solutions for women that actually work.
Photos by Vanessa Beecroft pic.twitter.com/YAACrRltX3
The Los Angeles Times pointed out that the kimono is very important to Japanese culture and is so steeped in tradition that there are rules to putting the garment on. Considering the importance of the kimono, Kim has faced some pretty serious heat over the name chosen for her shapewear brand. Just last week, she even defended her decision, telling The New York Times, "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."
However, Kim's gotten called out enough apparently, and this morning, she took to Twitter to announce that she'll be renaming her product.
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.
— Kim Kardashian West (@KimKardashian) July 1, 2019
While many have applauded the move on Twitter, people are still tweeting out their thoughts on how tasteless the decision was in the first place.
Right after the backlash though. Had nobody tried to stop you, you would've had no problem trademarking a name that belongs to an entire culture you're not from. When will y'all vultures grow tired.
— ?????? ????? (@nubiantarot) July 1, 2019
Some are even accusing Kim of using the response as yet another marketing tactic to bring more attention to the shapewear line.
Ah yes, chaos marketing. Would be nice if marketing strategists could stop making intentionally terrible decisions to garner attention and instead do something wholesome and creative - which will actually get people excited to buy a product.
— Denise ? (@surudenise) July 1, 2019
It's tough to say what really happened in the decision to name the company Kimono, but it certainly seems like a good idea to reconsider a new name.