Kim Kardashian's Kimono shapewear condemned as ‘culturally offensive’
Kim Kardashian West has been accused of cultural appropriation following the announcement of her new shapewear brand, Kimono Intimates.
On Tuesday, the reality television star shared images displaying pieces from the collection on Twitter and Instagram, showing a series of underwear in a range of nude skin tones.
Numerous people have lambasted Kardashian West for adopting a term which bears strong significance in Japanese culture, while also noting that her use of the word "kimono" is a play on her name.
"Why's it called kimono if that's a completely different style of clothing," one person tweeted.
"I get that you're incorporating your name but kimono is the name of a traditional (and cultural) Japanese robe."
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)
Several people expressed their anger over the name of the collection, stating that it is an example of Kardashian West's "ignorance".
"Please be respectful with Japanese culture. The word Kimono shouldn't be something that any one company can take advantage and making profit out of #culturalappropriation," one person tweeted.
"Nice underwear, but as a Japanese woman who loves to wear our traditional dress, kimono, I find the naming of your products baffling (since it has no resemblance to kimono), if not outright culturally offensive, especially if it's merely a word play on your name," another added.
Someone else described the range as "absolutely tasteless and awful", saying the entrepreneur has "zero respect to the Japanese culture".
Nice underwear, but as a Japanese woman who loves to wear our traditional dress,👘 kimono, I find the naming of your products baffling (since it has no resemblance to kimono), if not outright culturally offensive, especially if it’s merely a word play on your name. Pls reconsider
— Yuko Kato (@yukokato1701)
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
— ヤス＠BUNKAIWA(ブンカイワ) (@bunkaiwa)
Absolutely tasteless and awful. You have ZERO respect to the Japanese culture, do you. What's wrong with you.
I'm from Japan. For us, Kimono represents the beauty & elegance of the country's tradition. Your spandex underwear brand has nothing to do with it. I'm offended.— TrinityNYC (@TrinityNYC)
kimono, more like “Kim, oh no”
— kinga🐊 (@malechk_)
The "kimono", explains the Victoria and Albert Museum, was originally worn by commoners in Japan 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.
A kimono is a long, loose garment with wide sleeves tied in the middle with a sash, called an "obi".
This isn't the first time Kardashian West has been accused of cultural appropriation.
Last year, the reality star was criticised for donning a braided hairstyle which she described as "Bo Derek braids", taking inspiration from the 1979 Bo Derek film 10.
A few months later, Kardashian West attended the MTV Movie and TV Awards with her hair styled in long braids.
“Kim Kardashian in these braids is exhausting. The most annoying part is that at this point she knows what she’s doing, she knows what cultural appropriation is and that it upsets people yet she still chooses to do it," one person tweeted in response.
