Kim Kardashian has defended her new shapewear line Kimono after it was labelled 'disrespectful' by critics.
The reality star sparked backlash when she launched the underwear brand earlier this week as people noted the reference to the Japanese kimono, a loose long-sleeved robe which dates back to the 15th Century.
Kardashian responded to the criticism in a statement released to the New York Times, in which she claimed that the name was intended as “a nod to the beauty and detail that goes into a garment.”
“I understand and have deep respect for the significance of the kimono in Japanese culture,” she told the US publication.
The 38-year-old added: “My solutionwear brand is built with inclusivity and diversity at its core and I’m incredibly proud of what’s to come.”
She said that she has no plans “to design or release any garments that would in any way resemble or dishonour the traditional garment” and confirmed that filing a trademark “does not preclude or restrict anyone, in this instance, from making kimonos or using the word kimono in reference to the traditional garment.
She previously revealed that she has been "developing" the line "for the last year" and described it as "[her] take on shapewear and solutions for women that actually work."
Kardashian has also filed trademarks for “Kimono Body,” “Kimono Intimates” and “Kimono World.”
Twitter users have been sharing their criticism of Kardashian’s latest launch using the hashtag #KimOhNo.
A Change.org petition titled “Say no to Kim Kardashian’s KIMONO #KimOhNo” had been signed by over 20,000 people at the time of writing.
“I do not wish to share the word with an underwear brand,” the description read. “‘Kimono’ means ‘clothing’ in Japanese.
“This is our culture, and I would like to show how many of us do not appreciate this!”
Kardashian recently sparked an appropriation row when she attended husband Kanye West’s Sunday Service at Coachella wearing a head pendant similar to a maang tikka, part of a traditional Indian bridal headdress.
