Kim Kardashian to rename Kimono shapewear collection following ‘cultural appropriation’ backlash

“I am always listening, learning and growing - I so appreciate the passion and varied perspectives that people bring to me"

(Getty)

Kim Kardashian West has announced that her Kimono shapewear brand will be renamed, following a social media row that saw her accused of cultural appropriation.

The reality television star announced the collection of nude-coloured underwear last week, but swiftly faced a backlash on social media, when people accused her of being insensitive to the centuries-old tradition of the Japanese kimono.

Taking to Twitter, the 38-year-old said that “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.”

She explained that she is “always listening, learning and growing” and that she appreciated the “passion and varied perspectives that people bring”.

Kardashian West continued: “When I announced the name of my shapewear line, I did so with the best intentions in mind”, but that “after careful thought and consideration”, she will be launching her shapewear brand under a new name.

The entrepreneur didn’t reveal what the new name of her so-called Solutionwear collection would be, but that she will “be in touch soon” to announce the news.

Soon after the underwear collection was announced on Tuesday 25^th June it faced strong criticism across social media for its name, with Twitter users posting their disdain using the hashtag #KimOhNo.

Days later, Kardashian West provided a statement to The New York Times, explaining that the Kimono name was a “nod to the beauty and detail” that goes into making a traditional kimono and that she has no plans “to design or release any garments that would in any way resemble or dishonour the traditional garment”.

On Saturday, Kyoto mayor Daisaku Kadokawa wrote an open letter to Kardashian West, explaining that the kimono is “a fruit of craftsmanship and truly symbolises sense of beauty, spirits and values of Japanese”, and that it “should not be monopolised”.

The kimono is a traditional Japanese robe that has been worn for centuries.

According to the Victoria and Albert Museum, the garment was originally worn as outerwear by commoners and as an undergarment for members of the aristocracy. By the 16th century, it had become a widely-worn item of apparel for all classes.

The news comes soon after social media users – including The Good Place star Jameela Jamil – criticised Kardashian West for releasing a line of body make-up.

“Hard pass”, said Jamil. “I’d rather just make peace with my million stretch marks and eczema. Taking off my mascara is enough of a pain in the arse”.