The mayor of Kyoto has written a letter and posted on Facebook to Kim Kardashian West urging the social media influencer to reconsider the use of “Kimono” as the name of her new line of body-hugging shapewear.
The mayor of Japan's ancient capital Kyoto has entered into an unlikely correspondence with the queen of selfies Kim Kardashian West, asking her to reconsider naming her shapewear line "Kimono".
The American pop culture icon sparked a social media storm last week when she unveiled the new line, with some in Japan and abroad accusing her of disrespecting the traditional outfit.
And now the mayor has waded into the debate -- being had on Twitter under the hashtag #KimOhNo -- penning a letter to the star to ask her to reconsider, Kyoto officials told AFP.
"We're concerned that a wrong understanding of kimono will spread since Ms. Kardashian is such a powerful influencer," said Mai Sakai, a Kyoto city official in charge of traditional crafts.
"(I) ask you to reconsider your decision of using the name Kimono in your trademark," Kyoto Mayor Daisaku Kadokawa wrote in an English-language letter sent to Kardashian West.
"Kimono is a traditional ethnic dress fostered in our rich nature and history," he wrote, asking her to visit the city to experience kimono culture. Kimono literally means "something to wear", while Kardashian West's use of it is a play on her first name.
The reality television star told the New York Times that she had no plans to produce clothes that "would in any way resemble or dishonour the traditional garment".
Once a standard of the Japanese wardrobe, the kimono is now often reserved for special occasions, such as weddings and coming-of-age ceremonies, and is mostly worn by women.
And while the elaborate outfits might appear to have little in common with the snug garb being offered by Kardashian West, kimonos are not only often hugely expensive but known for being hard to wear.
Women frequently hire experts to dress them in kimono because the outfit requires seemingly endless nipping, tucking and strapping.
A post shared by Kim Kardashian West (@kimkardashian) on Jul 1, 2019 at 6:49am PDT
In reply to this letter and all the backlash she is receiving Kim shared an image of Instagram and wrote "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."
Kim also recently launched her makeup line called KKW BEAUTY. Kim's underwear line named Kimono was designed by her rapper husband, Kanye West.
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