Kim Kardashian has announced she is dropping the brand name Kimono following fierce backlash and accusations of cultural insensitivity.
The 38-year-old made the revelation on Instagram on Monday morning, telling her fans that after ‘careful thought and consideration’ she was changing the name of her ‘Solutionwear’ shapewear line. She is yet to reveal the new name.
She said she had launched the Kimono line with the ‘best intentions’, but is committed to ‘listening, learning and growing.’
While the criticism of her Kimono name came swiftly after she unveiled her new company last Tuesday, Kim initially stood firm and told the New York Times on Thursday that she would not be changing the name.
But the outrage mounted, with Kyoto mayor Daisaku Kadokawa releasing a letter on Friday urging her ‘reconsider’ the name.
She finally caved into pressure, telling her fans on Instagram on Monday: ‘Being an entrepreneur and my own boss has been one of the most rewarding challenges I’ve been blessed with in my life.
U turn: Kim Kardashian announced on Monday that she is changing the name of her Kimono Solutionwwear following fierce backlash. She is yet to reveal the new name
‘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,’ added the mother of North, Saint, Chicago and Psalm.
‘I am always listening, learning and growing – I so appreciate the passion and varied perspectives that people bring to me.’
She added: ‘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.’
Many felt Kim’s trademarked Kimono brand disrespected the traditional 15th century kimono clothing.
Some also took issue with the fact that the reality star was focusing on under-garments, with actual kimonos meant to be an outer layer clothing item.
One social media user wrote: ‘I feel very sad that the name ”Kimono” is being used to something completely different from what we Japanese know about it. Kimono is Japanese traditional clothes and we are very proud of its history and culture. I’m sorry but I feel this name choice is simply ignorant. #KimOhNo.’
Pressure: Kyoto mayor Daisaku Kadokawa released a letter on Friday urging Kim to ‘reconsider’ the Kimono name
Dating back to 15th century Japan, the kimono, which literally means ‘thing to wear on the shoulders’, is a T-shaped wrapped garment with set loose long sleeves, tied with a sash.
Considered the national dress of Japan, it is now mostly worn during special occasions such as weddings and coming-of-age ceremonies, and is mostly worn by women.
Those who tend to wear a kimono the most on a daily basis are older men and women, geisha and sumo wrestlers, who are required to wear traditional Japanese dress whenever appearing in public.
In his open letter to Kim on Friday, Kyoto mayor Daisaku Kadokawa noted that kimono culture has been ‘passed down with care.’
Controversy: Many felt Kim’s trademarked Kimono brand disrespected the traditional 15th century kimono clothing (a Japanese kimono pictured right)
‘Kimono is a traditional ethnic dress fostered in our rich nature and history with our predecessors’ tireless endeavors and studies,’ Kadokawa said in the letter, ‘and it is a culture that has been cherished and passed down with care in our living.’
The mayor relished the detail and craftsmanship that goes into making kimonos before adding that they symbolize the ‘beauty, spirits and values of Japanese.’
Kadokawa also noted that international tourists have flocked to Kyoto and other cities in Japan to sport their kimonos, which he deemed was ‘proof’ that the clothing was ‘loved by people around the world.’
Kardashian trademarked the Kimono brand in the US last year under the names ‘Kimono Body’, ‘Kimono Intimates’ and ‘Kimono World’.
This is not the first time the reality star has been accused of cultural appropriation.
In April she faced backlash for wearing a traditional Indian maang tikka head piece for a church service.
She shared her outfit on social media with the caption ‘Sunday Service Vibe’, but some Instagram users were unimpressed with her apparent mishmash of cultural items.
Kim accessorized her flowing white dress with gold Indian-inspired jewelry, including the head piece typically worn at times of celebration.
In April she faced backlash for wearing a traditional Indian maang tikka head piece for a church service
In June 2018, Kim Kardashian was slammed for wearing tight, cornrow-style braids to the MTV Movie and TV Awards show
One user said that ‘culture is not a costume’ and that it was wrong for the media mogul to be wearing the ornament.
Someone else explained the cultural significance of the head piece and wrote in depth about how Kim had appropriated her culture.
‘For those of you who don’t know, the maang tikka is a ceremonial head piece traditionally worn by the bride. Wearing white in India is traditionally reserved for funerals,’ another explained.
‘On top of that she wore this to a Christian service. She probably thought it was just jewelry, but when that piece has literally been used for centuries wouldn’t you kinda think there must be some sort of significant meaning held towards it?’
And in June 2018, she was slammed for wearing tight, cornrow-style braids to the MTV Movie and TV Awards show.
Earlier the same year she sparked outrage when she posted photographs on Instagram of her hair in braids with white beads at the ends.
In a Snapchat that angered the public, Kim called the braids ‘Bo Derek braids’. She was referencing the actress’ appearance in the 1979 film, 10.
People were outraged by the comment because they thought it was ‘disrespectful’ to the culture that first modeled the hairstyle.
The star also caused a stir when she straightened her biracial daughter North’s naturally curly hair.