The social media backlash Kim Kardashian West faced since she announced her new shapewear company would be called “Kimono” has proven too much for the reality star. After a weekend’s worth of Twitter takedowns accusing her of racial insensitivity, KKW tweeted this morning that she’ll rename her underwear line.
“Being an entrepreneur and my own boss has been one of the most rewarding challenges I’ve been blessed with in my life,” she writes. “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.”
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. pic.twitter.com/IB5cto7Mlj
— Kim Kardashian West (@KimKardashian) July 1, 2019
“My brands and products are built with inclusivity and diversity at their core and after careful thought and consideration,” she says. “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.”
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.
— Kim Kardashian West (@KimKardashian) July 1, 2019
The trouble started when Kardashian West tried to trademark the word, and the public immediately swooped in with the hashtag #KimOhNo to let her know that a kimono is a traditional Japanese gown, “not underwear.”
Kim Kardashian is trying to register a trademark using the word "kimono". If it passes, the kimono culture will be seriously damaged. Because kimono is not underwear, it is a valuable dress. Her 140 million followers are over the Japanese population. Please help us. #KimOhNo pic.twitter.com/2i8CfTa1er
— 吉房泰子+小袖生活Japan (@YasuKosode) June 30, 2019
Can’t steal our love.
Kimono IS NOT underwear.
#KimOhNo pic.twitter.com/vzsFMm1BAf
— かにみそ (@kanichan9191) June 27, 2019
Even the mayor of Kyoto joined in, appealing to the designer to rethink her marketing strategy, noting that Japan intends to register “Kimono Culture” with UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list, and inviting Kardashian West to visit Kyoto “to experience the essence of Kimono Culture and understand our thoughts and our strong wish.”
The Mayor of Kyoto has asked Kim Kardashian to withdraw Kimono trademark applications. https://t.co/EdWpsOm12A pic.twitter.com/6mDyhIu3cJ
— The Fashion Law (@TheFashionLaw) June 30, 2019
Kardashian West has said she’ll announce the new name “soon.”
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The post Kim Kardashian Rethinks the Name of Her Shapewear Line After the Internet Says #KimOhNo appeared first on Los Angeles Magazine.