Kim Kardashian West Denies “Kimono” Cultural Appropriation Claims

Kim Kardashian West is adamant that her Kimono shapewear line did not cross any boundaries that would be considered cultural appropriation.

The “Keeping Up with the Kardashians” star has come under fire for naming her clothing brand after what is generally understood to be the name of a Japanese traditional outfit.

The 38-year-old model claims that she came up with the name for her shapewear as a play on words and her first name, but social media users were having none of it.

She was criticised across social media platforms, and Twitter users started using the hashtag “#KimOhNo” to display their outrage.

Kardashian West said in a statement: “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.”

She added: “I understand and have [a] deep respect for the significance of the kimono in Japanese culture.”