When Kim Kardashian tried to trademark the word “kimono,” she got called out. Her first instinct was to insist that “kimono” wasn’t cultural appropriation despite a massive outcry. Now, Kim has wisely changed her tune and shown real growth. But what’s her brand’s new name? Kim Kardashian spoke about the kimono kontroversy with WSJ Magazine in their first-ever all-digital issue. “You would think we would have obviously thought it through a little bit deeper,” Kim admits. She says: “I’m the first person to say, ‘Okay, of course, I can’t believe we didn’t think of this.’” Kim wants to clarify that “I obviously had really innocent intentions.” “But, let’s listen,” Kim adds. “And I want to really listen.” “And I want to really take it all in,” she expresses. She notes that Kanye “was in Japan when all of this was happening.” “It’s a place that we love and go to,” Kim reminds the world. “I have such respect.” “I am always listening, learning, and growing,” Kim affirms. Hey, so are the rest of us. And most of us aren’t hindered by the celbrity bubble. Kim wants to make it clear that “I so appreciate the passion and varied perspectives that people bring to me.” Last week, the most famous of the famous family revealed that she was walking back her brand’s intended name. “When I announced the name of my shapewear line,” Kim announced. “I did so with the best intentions in mind.” “My brands and products are built with inclusivity and diversity at their core,” she emphasized. “And after careful thought and consideration,” Kim revealed. “I will be launching my Solutionwear brand under a new name.” “I will be in touch soon,” she added. “Thank you for your understanding and support always.” Kim does not that there are other kimono trademarked brands that did not evoke this level of backlash. “There might be more eyes on me and my brand,” Kim humble-brags. “And so I have to tune it out and really learn and really grow,” she suggests. “And have to realize that maybe there is a different standard.” “Do I feel held to a higher standard?” Kim asks rhetorically. She then emphasizes: “I’ll take responsibility for that and do the right thing.” So what will this new brand be called? “We’re figuring it all out now,” Kim promises. She explains that she decided to get into shapewear and solutionwear because “everyone needs this.” “Underwear, bras,” Kim lists. “This is what people wear every day.” That’s true enough. This is not the first time that Kim has come under fire with accusations of cultural appropriation. Like a couple of her sisters, she does not understand why some communities of color resent seeing her wear cornrows. The reason, of course, is that in most states, people can lose their jobs or be denied employment for “unprofessional” hairstyles like that. Here’s a hint: “unprofessional” is by and large a euphemism for “black” when it refers to hairstyles. Seeing a mega-millionaire whose own immediate family is black flaunt hair that causes people of color to face discrimination is understandably upsetting. People aren’t out to spoil Kim’s fun, and not all criticisms that Kim faces are fair or true, but it’s good to hear that she is open to listening. View Slideshow: Kim Kardashian Calls Out Jack in the Box, Ignites Voracious Fast Food Feud
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Kim Kardashian: Fine, I’m SORRY I Tried to Trademark "Kimono!"
