Kim Kardashian Responds To 'Kimono' Shapewear Backlash

Kim Kardashian unveiled her newest venture this week, with the makeup mogul announcing her [...]

Kim Kardashian unveiled her newest venture this week, with the makeup mogul announcing her shapewear line, Kimono Solutionwear. Kardashian was immediately hit with backlash over the name, and the reality star released a statement on Thursday attempting to clarify the situation and address accusations of cultural appropriation.

"I understand and have deep respect for the significance of the kimono in Japanese culture and have no plans to design or release any garments that would in any way resemble or dishonor the traditional garment," the KKW Beauty founder said in a statement to the New York Times. "I made the decision to name my company Kimono, not to disassociate the word from its Japanese roots but as a nod to the beauty and detail that goes into a garment."

She also addressed the criticism she received when it was reported that she had filed to trademark the phrases "Kimono," "Kimono Body," "Kimono Intimates" and "Kimono World."

"Filing a trademark is a source identifier that will allow me to use the word for my shapewear and intimates line but does not preclude or restrict anyone, in this instance, from making kimonos or using the word kimono in reference to the traditional garment," Kardashian continued. "My solutionwear brand is built with inclusivity and diversity at its core and I'm incredibly proud of what's to come."

After Kardashian revealed her line, many people pointed out that the kimono is a traditional Japanese garment and that form-fitting shapewear is almost the antithesis of a kimono.

In announcing her new venture, Kardashian shared that she's been developing the idea for a year and has been passionate about shapewear for 15 years.

"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," she wrote.

Photo Credit: Gotham/GC Images/Getty Images

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