UPDATE: Kim Kardashian has withdrawn the trademark on her shapewear line ‘Kimono’

#KimOhNo

Early this week, Kim Kardashian launched her own range of shapewear with promises the label would be inclusive and “celebrate and enhance the shape and curves of women”.

Intended as play on her name, Kim filed to trademark ‘Kimono’ for a line of products.

Finally I can share with you guys this project that I have been developing for the last year.
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

— Kim Kardashian West (@KimKardashian) June 25, 2019

In Japanese culture, the kimono is a garment that dates to the 15th century literally translating to “thing to wear on the shoulders”.

It is traditionally worn to important events like marriages, graduations, and funerals and aims to cover the wearer in a manner that is respectful for celebrations.

Soon after Kim’s announcement, Twitter had the tag #KimOhNo trending.

People were publicly calling out the label’s name as cultural depreciation and slamming Kim’s use of it as a non-Japanese person.

Don’t steal our culture.#KimOhNo pic.twitter.com/GX3p9AyQwT

— さと (@sato_kimono) June 25, 2019

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This is not the first-time the reality star has been called out for cultural appropriation.

On multiple occasions, she has come under fire for styling corn rows, and even wearing traditional Native American headpieces.

While Kim is yet to respond to the public outcry, social media promotion on the label isn’t slowing down. But after Kendall’s coke can controversy last week it’s increasingly unclear as to whether bad publicity exists.

For a Kardashian, at least.

UPDATE:

Kim Kardashian has responded to the public backlash of her new shapewear line trademark, ‘Kimono’, by announcing she will relaunch the brand under a new name.

Following outcry and widespread accusations of cultural appropriation last week, the reality TV-star announced the re-brand overnight alongside a half-baked apology to the offence she may have caused. See the full Instagram post below.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

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.

A post shared by Kim Kardashian West (@kimkardashian) on Jul 1, 2019 at 6:49am PDT