Kim Kardashian Kimonos #KimOhNo

[GeneChing]

Good ol' Kardashians...

Again, I don't know where to post this



Kim Kardashian just trademarked ‘Kimono.’ Let the backlash begin (https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/la-et-kim-kardashian-kimono-trademark-cultural-appropriation-20190625-story.html?outputType=amp&__twitter_impression=true&fbclid=IwAR0c2bwLYrBcgxYv6j4nhtuzfwXu3MbV6AuPJHu3d x3Q4yUjvleGc3Ls1N0)
By CHRISTIE D'ZURILLA
JUN 25, 2019 | 12:15 PM

https://www.latimes.com/resizer/qkZPFPVAG_VqjRn4lKzlJi17lzo=/1200x0/www.trbimg.com/img-5d12673a/turbine/la-1561487160-qymegybvev-snap-image
Kim Kardashian West at the 2018 MTV Movie & TV Awards in Santa Monica. (Jordan Strauss / Associated Press)

Kim Kardashian West launched a shapewear line Tuesday with the unfortunate name Kimono Solutionwear. Because Kim, get it?

And so began another round of Kim K. being accused of cultural appropriation. Like when she wore Fulani braids, or an Indian headpiece or looked like she was in blackface.

It appears nobody in Kardashian’s orbit was too worried that the Japanese got to “kimono” first, a few centuries back, when they named those loose-sleeved robes that are traditionally worn as formal outerwear.

“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,” Kardashian wrote Tuesday on Instagram.

“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 [sic] color that blended with my skin tone so we needed a solution for all of this.”

While the coming-soon line appears to be body-inclusive, running in sizes from XXS to 4XL and in nine skin-toned shades, the brand’s name upset some people on social media, who called it “problematic at best” and tagged Kardashian a “culture vulture,” among other names.

“Rih would never. Bey would never. Anyone with a working brain would never,” wrote Twitter user stylevoguette, referencing Rihanna and Beyoncé.

A user going by Leisha_17 had a different complaint, however, tweeting: “Probably is a good product but the name.... I hear it as ‘Kim, oh NO!’”

Kardashian was also dragged for not using any plus-size models in her images. And for not having zippers. All told, it looks like a lot of ways to lose.

Incidentally, the word Kimono has previously been trademarked twice by others, for products including software and “sheaths for pens.”

However, “Kimono,” “Kimono Body,” “Kimono Intimates” and “Kimono World” do appear to be among the other Kardashian-empire trademarks filed and awaiting review. For the most part, the applications target clothing (shapewear, lingerie, T-shirts) and products made of leather or imitation leather (handbags, wallets, dog harnesses, whips).

Yes, whips. Maybe they’re supposed to go with future lingerie?


Christie D'Zurilla

Christie D’Zurilla covers breaking entertainment and celebrity news. A graduate of USC, she joined the Los Angeles Times in 2003 as a copy editor and has more than 25 years of journalism experience in Southern California. As befits her beat, she has a high tolerance for inappropriate behavior.

[GeneChing]

Go get her, Tamlyn. Hope you get a role in Cobra Kai (http://www.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?70392-Cobra-Kai)...


JUNE 26, 2019 2:14PM PT
Kim Kardashian West’s ‘Kimono’ Shapewear Sparks Backlash (https://variety.com/2019/biz/news/kim-kardashian-kimono-backlash-1203253883-1203253883/)
By AUDREY CLEO YAP

https://pmcvariety.files.wordpress.com/2019/06/rexfeatures_10227716lj.jpg?crop=0px%2C81px%2C8256p x%2C4652px&resize=1000%2C563
CREDIT: CLINT SPAULDING/SHUTTERSTOCK

UPDATED: West announced on Tuesday that she was launching a line of form-fitting shapewear in nine different skin tones and a range of sizes. But the name of the reality star’s latest business venture — “Kimono” — is already wrapped up in controversy. Kimonos are Japanese robes traditionally worn at formal affairs, prompting some to accuse the businesswoman of cultural appropriation. Using the hashtag “#KimOhNo” on social media, critics called the line disrespectful; users like Japanese American actor Tamlyn Tomita are posting pictures of actual kimonos.


https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D98JtVkUIAAFm5n?format=jpg&name=900x900
View image on Twitter (https://twitter.com/thetamlyntomita/status/1143643510706327552?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5 Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1143643510706327552&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fvariety.com%2F2019%2Fbiz%2Fn ews%2Fkim-kardashian-kimono-backlash-1203253883-1203253883%2F)

Tamlyn Tomita
✔
@thetamlyntomita
One is KIMONO. One is Kim shamelessly selling a line of shapewear. Which y’all don’t need. #kimono

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Accompanying a side-by-side photo of Tomita in the traditional robe and of West in her branded shapewear, Tomita wrote, “One is KIMONO. One is Kim shamelessly selling a line of shapewear. Which y’all don’t need.”

West addressed the controversy in a statement to The New York Times Thursday, saying that she has no plans “to design or release any garments that would in any way resemble or dishonor the traditional garment,” but also did not plan to change the brand’s name.

Kimonos are not traditionally worn as undergarments.

In a series of tweets posted on Wednesday, West used the hashtag #KimonoBody to promote the line. She also revealed that musician husband Kanye West drew the brand’s logo.

This is not the first time the 38-year-old has faced allegations of cultural appropriation: In 2018, West drew backlash after crediting her braided hair to Bo Derek from Derek’s 1979 film “10.” The style, known as Fulani braids, has its origins in West Africa and the Fula ethnic group.

Since announcing the line, West — who said she has worked on the line for the past year — has posted a series of pictures of its offerings, including bodysuits, briefs and bras.

[GeneChing]

Kim Kardashian West finally caves on Kimono brand after cultural appropriation accusations (https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/la-et-kim-kardashian-west-kimono-solutionwear-new-name-20190701-story.html?fbclid=IwAR12_Ll26_Lj5WBqblQ9-Gb-IZT2dWzFBcUosrZz6WsL3KcnrIAjW9DchKc)
By CHRISTIE D'ZURILLA
JUL 01, 2019 | 8:15 AM

https://www.latimes.com/resizer/civsbuWtrUTA3SAGXqrdOM929IM=/800x0/www.trbimg.com/img-5d1a228e/turbine/la-1561993868-solsxnlldc-snap-image
“When I announced the name of my shapewear line, I did so with the best intentions in mind," Kim Kardashian West said Monday in a notice that she would change the name. (Laura Thompson / TNS)

Bowing to pressure, Kim Kardashian West will change the name of her Kimono Solutionwear line, presumably to something less controversial, the reality star-turned-entrepreneur announced Monday morning.

“When I announced the name of my shapewear line, I did so with the best intentions in mind,” Kardashian West said on social media. “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.”

The announcement pointedly left out the hot-button word that set off the controversy last week: Kimono, which KKW had applied to trademark in various permutations. She did praise “the direct line of communication with my fans and the public,” which apparently has been on fire since she launched the line Tuesday.

Kardashian West was quickly accused of cultural appropriation of the name. In a Thursday statement to the New York Times, in which she defended her understanding and “deep respect” for the meaning of kimono in Japanese culture, she said she had no plans to change the name.

But on Monday she was singing a different tune.


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kimkardashian (https://www.instagram.com/p/BzYFv6tAHRb/?utm_source=ig_embed)
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Being an entrepreneur and my own boss has been one of the most rewarding challenges I’ve been blessed with in my life. 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. Thank you for your understanding and support always.
7h

“I am always listening, learning and growing — I so appreciate the passion and varied perspectives that people bring to me,” she wrote on Instagram.

It’s unclear whether one of the voices she listened to was that of the mayor of Kyoto, Japan, who on Friday sent a letter, obtained by The Times, that in part described kimono as “a fruit of craftsmanship … [that] truly symbolizes sense of beauty, spirits and values of Japanese.”

Mayor Daisaku Kadokawa also specifically asked Kardashian West to reconsider using the word kimono in her trademark.

“We are currently undertaking initiatives nationally to make ‘Kimono Culture,’ symbol of our culture and spirits, registered to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list. 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,” Kadokawa wrote before inviting Kardashian West to visit the city and deepen her understanding.

On Monday, commenters were already suggesting names like sKim Wear or KimBody in response to her Instagram notice.


Christie D'Zurilla

Christie D’Zurilla covers breaking entertainment and celebrity news. A graduate of USC, she joined the Los Angeles Times in 2003 as a copy editor and has more than 25 years of journalism experience in Southern California. As befits her beat, she has a high tolerance for inappropriate behavior.

Well that's a teaching momemt and a happy ending. :)

[GeneChing]

Even though this is done, I'm going to split Kim Kardashian Kimonos #KimOhNo into its own indie thread off the Cultural Appropriation thread (http://www.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?70722-Cultural-Appropriation). I'm not sure why. Maybe because I like the alliteration of title. :o




https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rS_Bm6M4Mws

Kyoto mayor asks Kim Kardashian West to reconsider choice of 'kimono' for underwear brand (https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2019/07/01/national/kyoto-mayor-asks-kardashian-west-reconsider-choice-kimono-underwear-brand/#.XRt2tOtKipo)
KYODO JUL 1, 2019

KYOTO - Kyoto’s kimono-loving mayor sent a letter to American pop culture icon Kim Kardashian West asking her to reconsider trademarking “kimono” as the name of her new underwear brand, the ancient capital said Monday.

“Kimono is a traditional ethnic dress fostered in our rich nature and history with our predecessors’ tireless endeavors and studies, and it is a culture that has been cherished and passed down with care,” wrote Mayor Daisaku Kadokawa, who is renowned for always wearing kimono while carrying out official duties.

The mayor said not only Japanese but also foreign tourists often stroll around Kyoto wearing kimono, adding that his city is trying to have kimono culture registered on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list.

“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,” Kadokawa wrote.

A spokeswoman for the municipal government’s traditional industries section said the message has been sent to Kardashian West in English by post and in an email, as well as being uploaded onto the mayor’s official Facebook page. However, the city has yet to receive a reply from the American celebrity.

Kardashian West released details about her upcoming Kimono Solutionwear collection on social media last week. “Kimono is my take on shapewear and solutions for women that actually work,” she wrote.

However, her announcement was slammed on social media, with people creating a pun hashtag “#KimOhNo” to pour scorn on the name.

Kadokawa, who is serving his third term as mayor of Kyoto, began wearing kimono soon after he was elected in 2008. He does so in support of the traditional industry.

The mayor ended his letter by inviting Kardashian West to visit Kyoto, asking her to “experience the essence of Kimono Culture and understand our thoughts and our strong wish.”

[GeneChing]

Ignorance does not equal innocence. Quite the opposite, for an influencer like Kardashian, it's ****ing. :mad:



Kim Kardashian West Had 'Innocent Intentions' with Shapewear Name: 'We Didn't Think of This' (https://people.com/style/kim-kardashian-west-innocent-intentions-shapewear-kimono/)
Last week, Kim Kardashian West announced that she plans to rename the brand after facing backlash over calling it Kimono
By Lindsay Kimble July 08, 2019 07:21 AM

Kim Kardashian West is calling the decision to name her shapewear brand Kimono “innocent” in a new interview for WSJ. Magazine’s first-ever all-digital issue.

“You would think we would have obviously thought it through a little bit deeper,” Kardashian West told WSJ. Magazine after facing accusations of cultural appropriation for naming the forthcoming brand after a traditional Japanese clothing item. Last week, the star, 38, announced plans to change the name.

Continued Kardashian West, “I’m the first person to say, ‘Okay, of course, I can’t believe we didn’t think of this.’ I obviously had really innocent intentions. But, let’s listen. And I want to really listen. And I want to really take it all in.”

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The star told the magazine that she loves Japan, noting that husband Kanye West “was in Japan when all of this was happening. It’s a place that we love and go to. I have such respect.”

Kardashian West revealed the plans to change the name on social media last Monday morning, writing, “I am always listening, learning and growing – I so appreciate the passion and varied perspectives that people bring to me.”

She continued: “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. Thank you for your understanding and support always.”

The brand, which is touted as “solutionwear,” consists of bikini briefs, thongs, bras, waist trainers, body suits, thermal leggings and more, retailing from $22 to $98. They will be sold in sizes XXS to 4XL and in nine different tonal colors at launch, with even more shades coming as the brand continues to expand.

https://peopledotcom.files.wordpress.com/2019/07/kkw-5.jpg

WSJ. Magazine noted that there are other products trademarked in the U.S. with the word kimono, but Kardashian West said that “There might be more eyes on me and my brand.”

“And so I have to tune it out and really learn and really grow and have to realize that maybe there is a different standard. Do I feel held to a higher standard? I’ll take responsibility for that and do the right thing,” she said.

https://peopledotcom.files.wordpress.com/2019/07/kkw-2.jpg

As for what the new name will be? “We’re figuring it all out now,” Kardashian West shared.

Kardashian West explained that she wanted to foray into shapewear because “everyone needs this.”

“Underwear, bras — this is what people wear every day,” she told the magazine.


By Lindsay Kimble

[David Jamieson]

Unpopular opinion: "Cultural appropriation is a rubbish idea".

Anyone can wear whatever they want to project who they feel they are at that moment and no one should be shamed for it or made to feel bad about it.

Kung Fu people always wear 17th century chinese peasant clothes, court robes or buddhist monk wear from asia.
I would think that at least, it is accepted that cultural appropriation is a made up pile of horse hockey that is to be used as a verbal and social weapon against anyone you like if you see them in any way shape or form putting on something that isn't directly linked to their ethnicity.

To that end, I put it to you that the very idea of claiming cultural appropriation is in fact just racism hiding in the cloth of social realism.

[Jimbo]

Unpopular opinion: "Cultural appropriation is a rubbish idea".

Anyone can wear whatever they want to project who they feel they are at that moment and no one should be shamed for it or made to feel bad about it.

Kung Fu people always wear 17th century chinese peasant clothes, court robes or buddhist monk wear from asia.
I would think that at least, it is accepted that cultural appropriation is a made up pile of horse hockey that is to be used as a verbal and social weapon against anyone you like if you see them in any way shape or form putting on something that isn't directly linked to their ethnicity.

To that end, I put it to you that the very idea of claiming cultural appropriation is in fact just racism hiding in the cloth of social realism.

I think the real problem people have with it is that (as I understand it) Kardashian wanted to trademark the work 'kimono'.

In a similar fashion, Lynn Thompson, president of the knife company Cold Steel, trademarked the term
'San Mai,' which is a traditional Japanese method of using hard steel to form the edge of a blade, and sandwiching it on both sides by softer steel/iron. By trademarking 'San Mai,' from what I heard, Thompson was going after anyone who said they were using the method to make blades, because it 'infringed' on his trademark. Even though it's the name of a method, and not HIS invention. In a case like that, yes, it IS appropriation.

Other than cases like that, I agree that a lot of what people refer to as cultural appropriation is nonsense. But you can't lump every instance as the same.

[GeneChing]

Kung Fu people always wear 17th century chinese peasant clothes, court robes or buddhist monk wear from asia. This is in part why I bring this up. When it's derogatory, like a minstrel show, it's a very real issue. When it's incomplete, like the man-bun - or goofy Kung Fu uniforms that just aren't right - it's awkward. And sometimes it's respectful - like when a non-Asian knows how to properly tie a hakama (https://www.martialartsmart.com/35-05.html) better than an Asian. That's actually cool to me - and it's happened to me more than once.

I'm more amused by this because it's Kardashian.