#KimOhNo: Kim Kardashian West renames Kimono inner wear brand amid wide criticism
Kim Kardashian West says that she will be changing the name of the Kimono brand, days after announcing the launch of her new shapewear line,
Reality TV star turned entrepreneur, Kardashian West has faced severe of criticism over the name of the brand, as people came in complaining her choice of “kimono” has disrespected Japanese culture and disregarded the significance behind the traditional outfit.
People came forward accusing her of disrespecting Japanese culture: ‘our traditional garment is not spandex’
While taking it to social media, Kim Kardashian West wrote: “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.
— Kim Kardashian (@KimKardashian) July 1, 2019
A San Francisco-based videographer, Yuka Ohishi, helped spread the hashtag #KimOhNo, criticizing the brand’s name.
Thank you for all the support on this issue, really appreciate people who understand our frustration.
Here's a https://t.co/IP0HBeNIZz petition that got set up, so I would appreciate if you can take a moment to sign.#KimOhNohttps://t.co/cmDaOiBwm2
— yukaccy.eth (@yukaccy) June 27, 2019
WE DID IT!!!🤯
Kim Kardashian announced on her Instagram that she is changing the name of her brand, #Kimono.
No apology made, but I’m impressed she made this decision. Let’s hope the new name is a good one…!🙏Thanks again for all the support on this. #KimOhNo pic.twitter.com/Ej1OnlIjuJ
— yukaccy.eth (@yukaccy) July 1, 2019
Another person to call on Kim Kardashian to reconsider her brand’s name was the mayor of the ancient Japanese capital of Kyoto, Daisaku Kadokawa, wrote an open letter to her on social media.
“Kimono is a traditional ethnic dress fostered in our rich nature and history with our predecessors’ tireless endeavours and studies and it is a culture that has been cherished and passed down with loving care”, the mayor wrote.
“Also it is a fruit of craftsmanship and truly symbolizes the sense of beauty, spirits, and values of Japanese”.
The mayor’s letter has attracted more than 1,000 comments on Facebook, the vast majority supportive of his effort to protect “kimono culture”.
People came forward, sharing their protest, requesting Kim Kardashian to respect Japanese culture.
Dear @KimKardashian Kimono is our precious culture that means so much to us than you think. This is Kimono that our heart belongs to. You disrespect not only us but our Japanese ancestors who preserved kimonos today. Reconsider the name, please. #KimOhNo #Kimono pic.twitter.com/34Hnd2mmcn
— Saki (@justajpnesegirl) June 29, 2019
Dear @KimKardashian ,
I’m a dancer of Nihonbuyo; Japanese traditional dance in kimono.Kimono is not your underwear.
Please change the name. Do not take kimono away from us.#kimono #kimOhNo #notyourunderwear #kimonotimes pic.twitter.com/vFi1aKyQPo
— 静紀 (@Shizuki_dance) June 28, 2019
Though Kardashian West has announced that she will be renaming her brand but has not yet announced what is going to be the new name of the shapewear line.