Roommates, it looks like #KimKardashian has had a change of heart!
Kimmy Cakes has been getting to the bag in many ways, one of which being her new line of shapewear, Kimono. Despite what she says were good intentions, Kim has decided to change the name of her brand after fans and non-fans alike accused her of appropriating Kyoto culture.
Kim took to Instagram today to announce the name change, which she has not specified yet. She also expressed her deepest regrets, and says she considered inclusivity and diversity when choosing a name for her brand.
“When i announced the name of my shapewear line, I did so with the best intentions in mind,” she says. “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.”
Kim launched the line to diversify the shapewear game, and give women a broader range of shades to choose from! In her announcement, Kim recalls not being able to find shapewear that was supportive and blended with her skin tone.
“Kimono is the culmination of Kim’s personal experience with shapewear and is fueled by her passion to create truly considered and highly technical solutions for every body,” says the brand’s website. “Each piece is designed to enhance, smooth, lift, or sculpt.”
Unfortunately for Kim, the play on her name that created the name for the brand, was not well liked amongst fans. Many fans took to social media calling Kim out for disrespecting Kyoto culture by trademarking the word ‘Kimono’ for her own brand.
Considering a kimono is a traditional Japanese garment, fans called Kim out for being a ‘culture vulture’, and profiting off of a another culture “as she always does”.
One Twitter user, Yuko Kato, commented to Kim directly, expressing her dissatisfaction with the name.
“Nice underwear, but as a Japanese woman who loves to wear traditional dress, kimono, I find the naming of your products baffling, if not outright culturally offensive, especially if it’s merely a word play on your name,” she says. “Please reconsider.”
Kim has not yet announced the new name for her brand, but says she will had updates sooner than later!
