Published 14:57 IST, July 2nd 2019
Kim Kardashian apologises and promises to rename 'Kimono' range
Reality TV star Kim Kardashian West decided to rename her shapewear range 'Kimono' after receiving backlash for cultural appropriation.
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Reality TV star Kim Kardashian West decided to rename her shapewear range 'Kimono' after receiving backlash for cultural appropriation.
Kim Kardashian West faced a storm of criticism over the name of the label, with many complaining her choice of 'kimono' disrespected Japanese culture and disregarded the significance behind the traditional outfit.
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The entrepreneur initially defended the name saying she wouldn't change it. She took to Twitter justifying her actions,
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But on Tuesday, she posted on Twitter that she would be announcing the new name of the brand soon.
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Last week Daisaku Kadokawa, the Mayor of Kyoto, penned a letter to Kardashian West urging her to rethink the name, explaining that the kimono is a “cherished” part of Japanese culture.
“We think that the names for 'Kimono’ are the asset shared with all humanity who love Kimono and its culture therefore they should not be monopolized,” he wrote.
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In a letter that he also shared on social media, the mayor, Daisaku Kadokawa, had said, "Kimono is a traditional ethnic dress fostered in our rich nature and history with our predecessors' tireless endeavours and studies and it is a culture that has been cherished and passed down with loving care. Also, it is a fruit of craftsmanship and truly symbolises the sense of beauty, spirits, and values of Japanese."
14:32 IST, July 2nd 2019