A day after Kyoto mayor urged her to reconsider the naming of her underwear brand, the 'Keeping Up With the Kardashians' star states that she is 'always listening, learning and growing.'
- Jul 2, 2019
AceShowbiz - Kim Kardashian has renamed her Kimono shapewear line following backlash from Japanese activists.
The "Keeping Up With the Kardashians" star unveiled Kimono Solutionwear, a collection of skin-tone coloured control underwear, in an Instagram post last week (June 25), and was quickly inundated with messages from fans, who accused the mother-of-four of cultural appropriation.
The 38-year-old initially defended the brand name, calling it a "nod to the beauty and detail that goes into a garment," but on Monday, Kim announced she will be releasing the collection under another title.
"I am always listening, learning and growing - I so appreciate the passion and varied perspectives that people bring to me," she wrote on Twitter. "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."
The announcement came after the Daisaku Kadokawa, the Mayor of Kyoto, Japan wrote Kardashian an open letter on Sunday, June 30, urging her to recognise why the name of the line Is offensive.
"Kimono is a traditional ethnic dress fostered in our rich nature and history with our predecessors' tireless endeavors and studies, and it is a culture that has been cherished and passed down with care in our living. Also, it is a fruit of craftsmanship and truly symbolizes sense of beauty, spirits and values of Japanese," he wrote, according to Japan Today.
Kardashian addressed his response by explaining her inspiration for the line.
"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 dishonour the traditional garment," she told 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."
