Kim Kardashian just released a new brand of flesh-toned shapewear (a la Spanx), and it’s already ticking off plenty of people.
The line is called Kimono, and Kim said on Twitter that she’s been developing it over the past year. “Kimono is my take on shapewear and solutions for women that actually work,” she wrote. “I would always cut up my shapewear to make my own styles, and there have also been so many times I couldn’t find a shapeware [sic] color that blended with my skin tone so we needed a solution for all of this.”
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
The line is “coming soon” and will be available in sizes XXS to 4XL in nine shades, Kim said. There’s a bunch of stuff available in the line, including seamless bras, one-piece bodysuits, and one-legged shorts that are designed to be worn under skirts and dresses with high slits.
That all seems like standard Kim stuff, right? Well, here’s the part that’s pissing people off: Kim seems to have actually trademarked the word “kimono”—in a specific font, at least. Trademark applications were submitted for “Kimono Body” and “Kimono World,” Business Insider reports.
Many, many people on Twitter are pissed that Kim is using a word for a traditional Japanese gown to describe her lingerie line, accusing her of cultural appropriation. Here are just a few:
This is #kimono I wore to my wedding. I’d like Kim to imagine how she’d feel if someone treated her wedding, prom or baptism dresses as lingerie.
“Kimono” are not just clothes but are a symbol that evokes precious memories and important life events. #KimOhNo pic.twitter.com/gD2KrTzsLR
Kim, I’m sure your shapewear’s nice, but please don’t take the name of a beautiful, traditional Japanese wardrobe and use it for your undies. This is me in various kimonos over the years. Hairstyle may not be traditional, but my kimonos sure were! 👘 #KimOhNo pic.twitter.com/5Z4uKwro6B
This is my kimono.
Not your underwear.#kimonosheila#KimOhNo#[email protected] pic.twitter.com/nOr2Sj0iIW
Me wearing A #KIMONO with hakama for my graduation👘🎓🌸
Very sad to hear @kimkardashian has trademarked “Kimono” for her new underwear line😭 #KimOhNo pic.twitter.com/ET5iVojTYa
Kimono: has a centuries long rich history and is deeply embedded in the traditions and culture of a country.
Kim Kardashian: OMg It hAs mY nAmE iN iT!#Kimohno
My culture is not your brand name generator 🇯🇵👘🍱🍵 #KimOhNo
This isn’t the first time Kim has been accused of being culturally insensitive. Back in 2017, she was accused of wearing blackface in photos to promote her KKW contouring kit. Kim later told The New York Times that she would “obviously never want to offend anyone,” said she was “really tan when we shot the images,” and that “the contrast was off” in the photos.
Kim hasn’t responded to the latest controversy.
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