Kim Kardashian Denies 'Cultural Appropriation' Accusations Over New Kimono Shapewear Line
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Kim Kardashian West has denied allegations of cultural appropriation after naming her new shapewear brand Kimono Intimates.
The 38-year-old reality star sparked backlash on social media this week after she trademarked her new shapewear line with the Japanese word, which literally means "thing to wear on the shoulders".
Addressing the accusations, Kim told the New York Times that the name wasn't meant to be disrespectful - but rather a "nod to the beauty and detail" that goes in making a Kimono, an ankle-length robe which is worn for formal occasions in Japan.
She said: "I understand and have deep respect for the significance of the kimono in Japanese culture.
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
"My solutionwear brand is built with inclusivity and diversity at its core and I'm incredibly proud of what's to come."
Despite the furore, Kim, who is currently studying to become a lawyer, said she had no plans to change the name of the range, which is a play on her own name.
Earlier this week, the mogul was blasted for the name of the collection and had critics using the hashtag #KimOhNo on Twitter as they claimed the name undermined the Japanese garment.
Kim, who said she's been passionate about shapewear for 15 years, trademarked the Kimono brand last year in the US as the project was in development.
Speaking of her new business venture, she added: "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 colour that blended with my skin tone so we needed a solution for all of this."
Kim also filed trademarks for "Kimono Body", "Kimono Intimates" and "Kimono World" - suggesting there's more to come from her new line in the coming months.
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Only time will tell how the latest Kardashian saga will play out.