Following the criticism received backing cultural appropriation, Kim Kardashian West has issued an apology statement for the release announcement of her brand dubbed as ‘Kimono Solutionwear’.
The label of the brand borrows from the reality TV star and entrepreneur’s name, like her previous labels, ‘Kimoji’ and ‘KKW Beauty’.
However, the brand received massive condemnation for its label name drawing relations with the Japanese cultural garment Kimono, which carries a lot of historical and traditional significance.
With the #KimOhNo hashtag trending on Twitter to express disapproval with the label name, the accusations were built over the brand name undermining the deeply sacred and ethnic significance of the Japanese garment Kimono, and the devaluing implication of naming the brand after it.
The controversy also included an open letter issued by the Mayor of Kyoto, Daisaku Kadokawa to Kim Kardashian requesting her to re-evaluate the brand name.
Not particularly addressing any specific accusation, Kim reverted to the backlash in a statement to The New York Times, clarifying that the name intended to be “a nod to the beauty and detail that goes into a garment.”
She continued, “I understand and have deep respect for the significance of the Kimono in Japanese culture.”
Although the star made it clear that she does not plan “to design or release any garment that would in any way resemble or dishonour the traditional garment” she did not say that she had any plan to change the existing label name.
Set to launch in July, Kimono Solutionwear consists of a range of classic shapewear pieces like bras, briefs, shorts and bodysuits. The pieces master uniqueness in their designs and cuts like a one-legged bodysuit for high-slit dresses and other designs suited for a variety of garments, and promises to be incorporative of all body sizes.
