Kim Kardashian Renames Shapewear Line After Backlash For Trying Trademark Word ‘Kimono’

Kim Kardashian West has listened to the critics.

On Monday, the Keeping Up With the Kardashian’s star took to Twitter and announced that she’d be changing the name of her shapewear line, Kimono.

“Being an entrepreneur and my own boss has been one of the most rewarding challenges I’ve been blessed with in my life,” she tweeted. “What’s made it possible for me after all of these years has been the direct line of communication with my fans and the public.”

“I am always listening, learning and growing — I so appreciate the passion and varied perspectives that people bring to me. 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.” She then concludes the tweet by saying, “Thank you for your understanding and support always.”

Kardashian West was accused of cultural appropriation after reportedly filing to trademark the term kimono. The term kimono is the name for the traditional Japanese garment, which literally means “things to wear on the shoulders.”

The hashtag #KimOhNo on Twitter was inspired by Kardashian West’s initial name choice, which allowed users to tell the star that their culture is not her “plaything” or “brand generator.”

Kardashian West made a statement to The New York Times saying that she actually named her company kimono as a nod to the traditional Japanese garment.

“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 statement read. “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.”

“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,” the statement continued. “My solutionwear brand is built with inclusivity and diversity at its core and I’m incredibly proud of what’s to come.”

The news of Kardashian West’s initial name for the shapewear line even received attention from the Mayor of Kyoto, Daisaku Kadokawa. Kadokawa issued a statement to the Kardashian on Friday asking her to drop the trademark of Kimono for her new shapewear brand, which was revealed on Tuesday.