Kim Kardashian West's newest shapewear/lingerie line has sparked anger on social media, including a letter from the mayor of Kyoto, Japan, asking her to rethink the brand's name.
The reality star announced the launch of her new shapewear line "Kimono" this week, something she says that she's been passionate about for 15 years.
According to the brand's website, the line aims to "enhance, smooth, lift or sculpt, Kimono provides superior options for all shapes and tones."
While the concept sounds similar to Spanx, many are upset about the cultural appropriation connected to the name of the line.
CNN Style explains, "what has really riled critics is that Kardashian appears to have trademarked the word "kimono."
Many people on Twitter are using the hashtag #KimOhNo to express their disappointment in connecting the name of a traditional Japanese gown to lingerie. San Francisco-based Yuka Ohishi, told CNN: "Her line is not at all inspired by the Japanese kimono, pays no respect."
Daisaku Kadokawa, mayor of Kyoto wrote a letter to Kim which included, "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."
