Kim Kardashian West Changes "Kimono" Solutionwear Name to "SKIMS" (UPDATE)

Following widespread backlash for cultural appropriation.

Fashion
46.1K 31 Comments

UPDATE (August 26, 2019): Following major backlash from fans, Kim Kardashian West has officially announced that the name of her solutionwear line will be changed to SKIMS. Fans felt the line’s original name, Kimono, was culturally offensive by appropriating the name of a traditional Japanese garment. “My fans and followers are a huge inspiration to me – I’m always listening to their feedback and opinions, and am so grateful they shared their ideas for a new brand name,” Kardashian West stated in a recent Instagram post. In addition to a full statement regarding the name change, the Instagram post also announced that SKIMS Solutionwear will officially launch on September 10 in sizes XXS-5XL on the brand’s new website, SKIMS.com.

Original story (Jul 1, 2019): Kim Kardashian West has announced that she will change the name of her Kimono solutionwear line following backlash over the brand’s name. Kardashian West was slammed for her trademarked name which was criticized for cultural appropriation and for being disrespectful to the traditional Japanese garment.

Despite previously stating that she would not change the name of her Kimono line, Kim has taken to Twitter to announce in a string of tweets that she will listen to the criticism. The collection is set to release later this month and was initially praised for her inclusive range of sizes from XXS through 4XL in nine different shades.

However, she faced backlash from the Japanese community and most notably the Mayor of Kyoto, Daisaku Kadokawa, who said in a formal letter, “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 in our living… 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.”

Read Kim Kardashian West’s explanation of the name change in her list of tweets below.

Read Full Article

What to Read Next

Marni's Latest FW19 Sneaker Is Inspired by Bananas
Footwear

Marni's Latest FW19 Sneaker Is Inspired by Bananas

In slip-on and lace-up editions.

TIGHTBOOTH and KILLER-BONG Come Together for Slouchy Japanese Skatewear
Fashion

TIGHTBOOTH and KILLER-BONG Come Together for Slouchy Japanese Skatewear

Riffing on The North Face and ‘Gremlins’ alike.

Krispy Kreme Releases Limited Edition Kit Kat-Topped Doughnuts
Food & Beverage 

Krispy Kreme Releases Limited Edition Kit Kat-Topped Doughnuts

Available right now for a limited time.

Balenciaga to Offer On-Site Customization of Winter 2019 Bags
Fashion

Balenciaga to Offer On-Site Customization of Winter 2019 Bags

At two New York City locations.

Natalie Portman Obsesses Over Returning to Space in 'Lucy in the Sky' Trailer
Entertainment

Natalie Portman Obsesses Over Returning to Space in 'Lucy in the Sky' Trailer

The film will showcase the impact space travel can have on a person.


Metropolitan Channels East Coast Nostalgia in Third Drop of 2019
Fashion 

Metropolitan Channels East Coast Nostalgia in Third Drop of 2019

With NYC-inspired graphics and retro colorways.

adidas Enters Trademark Battle with J. Crew Over Striped Pattern
Fashion 

adidas Enters Trademark Battle with J. Crew Over Striped Pattern

“The brand with the three stripes” isn’t having it.

The 15 Most Exciting Projects We Learned About from Disney's D23 Expo
Entertainment

The 15 Most Exciting Projects We Learned About from Disney's D23 Expo

Featuring news from Marvel, Pixar and even Jeff Goldblum.

COC CUBE FW19 Filters Trek Gear Through Street-Friendly Lens
Fashion

COC CUBE FW19 Filters Trek Gear Through Street-Friendly Lens

“TAKE SOME MORE” mashes up technical staples and comfortable favorites.

Nike SB Preps "Orange Label" Collection With Ishod Wair
Fashion

Nike SB Preps "Orange Label" Collection With Ishod Wair

Featuring the skater’s take on the SB Zoom Bruin.

More ▾