Kim Kardashian is no stranger to controversy and the starlet has once again found herself in hot waters after announcing her new shapewear line recently.
The reality TV star revealed the project that she’s been working on for the past year, announcing her shapewear line titled Kimono. Kimono is a traditional Japanese robe, worn at special occasions and has long been a symbol of respect and culture for the Japanese.
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) June 25, 2019
The name instantly set off a stream of backlash, with people voicing their concern with the use of the word ‘kimono’ for a line that has nothing to do with the traditional Japanese attire. The title of Kim’s line did not make sense to a lot of people, many of whom accused the star of cultural appropriation.
One is KIMONO. One is Kim shamelessly selling a line of shapewear. Which y’all don’t need. #kimono pic.twitter.com/6mP0oDqPvn
— Tamlyn Tomita (@thetamlyntomita) June 25, 2019
The announcement prompted the Twitter trend #KimOhNo, with people criticizing the line as being disrespectful, and calling Kim out for using the word only because it has her name in it. It’s important to note that Kim’s line exclusively features shapewear and has no relation whatsoever with the style of the original kimono.
Wow, @KimKardashian.
Thanks for BUTCHERING Japanese culture!!! My culture is not your plaything.
You don't have any respect for people who are not your family, do you?
In the 15 yrs developing this project, couldn't you find a cultural advisor?#KimOhNo #culturalappropriation https://t.co/OsDYVZxPhx— 🐼かすみん🦄✨#BlackLivesMatter 🖤 #StopAAPIHate 🌼 (@liaoyingQQQi) June 26, 2019
Kimono is not underwear.
It is Japanese traditional outfit.#kimono #KimOhNo pic.twitter.com/kdfbMr9geB— ぬえ (@yosinotennin) June 26, 2019
My grandmother and I. #notyourunderwear #KimOhNo pic.twitter.com/XwpigcqQ0M
— 栗男✨汚れちまった悲しみに (@tlmunderground) June 26, 2019
https://twitter.com/honey_o_honey/status/1143859520399036418
Kim is yet to address the situation, and has continued to post about her line with the hashtag #KimonoBody. She had previously said that the line is inclusive and meant to celebrate and enhance the shape of women. The collection includes form-fitting shapewear in nine different skin tones and a range of sizes.
This is not the first time the controversial star has been accused of cultural appropriation; in 2018, she sported braided hair and gave the credit to Bo Derek’s braids from her 1979 film 10, completely disregarding the origin of the style, which is from West Africa.
