Kim Kardashian West explains why she changed the name of her shapewear line
When Kim Kardashian West decided to call her shapewear line "Kimono," she had no idea how big of a backlash it would cause.
Earlier this month, amid criticism that she was being disrespectful to Japanese culture, the reality TV star and entrepreneur announced she'd change the name to something else, even though a logo and website had been created and some of the products had already been made with a "Kimono" label.
In a new interview with The Wall Street Journal Magazine, Kardashian West said she "can't believe we didn't think of this," and despite having "innocent intentions," it was important for her to "really listen" to her detractors.
"I do realize, though, that there might be more eyes on me and my brand," she said, when asked about other, unrelated products in the U.S. that bear the name "Kimono." "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."
Kardashian West, 38, announced last month that she was launching a "solutionwear" line, which, according to The Wall Street Journal Magazine, will come in nine shades and in sizes from XXS, or size 00, to XXXXL, or size 20. The first product to be released will be body-sculpting shapewear, followed by bikini briefs, thongs, bras, waist trainers, bodysuits, tank tops and thermal leggings. Prices will range from $22 to $98.
Kardashian West said that the idea for the line came from what she perceived to be a hole in the industry. She said she was regularly cutting shapewear to fit under certain dresses, and sometimes the pieces would flatten parts of her body that she wanted to accentuate. She also wants to empower women to feel their best, especially because she knows what it's like to feel insecure about one's body.
"I'll never be a person who says it's a more positive thing if I show my cellulite. The feeling when I had to wear that corset [to the Met Gala], [the shapewear] is not that. It's the second skin that makes me feel comfortable and cozy and all smoothed," she said. "I love to be sucked in."
