Kim Kardashian has once again come until fire for alleged cultural appropriation.
This is far from the first time that the reality star turned businesswoman has found herself in hot water over her style. Last year, for example, she found herself in trouble for wearing cornrows.
Now, she's heralded the dawn of summer 2019 by calling her new line of shapewear after "Kimono".
While this clearly is a reference to the 38-year-old's name, it's also a traditional Japanese garment - a far fry from the shapewear products she is selling. However, despite being criticized for this name, she has now issued a statement saying she has no plans to change it.
She told the New York Times:
"I understand and have [a] 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.
"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. My solution wear brand is built with inclusivity and diversity at its core and I'm incredibly proud of what's to come."
However, Kim's statement has done nothing to silence her critics who believe that her decision to name her underwear line after the traditional garment is insulting:
Now a petition has been set up in a bid for Kim to change the name of her company. At the time of writing this article, it has had over 28,500 signatures and counting.
