Kim Kardashian Wears Kimono for TV Role After Cultural Backlash

Kim Kardashian wore a kimono many years after she was slammed for culture insensitivity after trying to name her brand after the traditional Japanese garment.

On Sunday evening, the reality TV star, 45, shared a photo of her dressed up in a bespoke kimono for her acting role as a fictional lawyer on her new show, All’s Fair. 

She highlighted a series of photos showing off the baby pink kimono with brown trim and the embroidered letters AG on her waist for her character’s name Allura Grant. 

She also included a photo of her posing alongside Ryan Murphy, the creator of the Hulu series featuring an all-star cast alongside the aspiring actress. 

Her post comes six years after she received backlash for cultural insensitivity when she co-founded her apparel brand under the name Kimono Intimates alongside Emma Grede and Jens Grede in September 2019. 

Following the criticism, she and her co-founders changed the name to SKIMS to still include her moniker, though she initially stood firm in her decision to call her clothing line Kimono.

In snapshots from her Instagram post, Kardashian appeared to be wearing nothing underneath the kimono outerwear. 

She also fastened the garment in a way to highlight her cleavage with a plunging neckline as well as show off her legs with a makeshift thigh-high slit. 

She wore strappy heels with the silky garb as well as flashy diamond jewelry and her dark brunette hair styled into a flipped up, retro bob. 

In her caption, she just typed out her fictional TV character’s name: ‘AlluraGrant.’

In some photos, she showcased the intricate design of the kimono and the design on the back, throwing up a peace sign in several pictures. 

Since the days of launching with a 36-piece collection with a wide range of sizes and skin tones to promote inclusivity, her shapewear startup has exploded to become a billion-dollar empire. 

She has since collaborated with sportswear giant Nike and SKIMS is also now the official underwear partner of the NBA, WNBA and USAB.

However, in the weeks leading up to the launch of her brand half a decade ago, she was forced to announced that she would be dropping the brand name Kimono following fierce backlash and accusations of cultural insensitivity. 

In the summer of 2019, she addressed the controversy and told her fans that through ‘careful thought and consideration’ she would be changing the name of her ‘Solutionwear’ shapewear line. 

She initially stood firm amid the backlash, telling the New York Times on Thursday that she would not be changing the name. 

Around the same time, Kyoto mayor Daisaku Kadokawa released a letter urging the reality star to ‘reconsider’ the name. 

She finally caved into pressure, telling her fans on Instagram on Monday: ‘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,’ she continued. 

‘I am always listening, learning and growing — I so appreciate the passion and varied perspectives that people bring to me.’ 

She added: ‘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.’

Many felt Kardashian’s trademarked Kimono brand disrespected the traditional 15th century kimono clothing. 

Some also took issue with the fact that the reality star was focusing on undergarments while actual kimonos are meant to be an outer layer clothing item. 

One social media user wrote: ‘I feel very sad that the name “Kimono” is being used to something completely different from what we Japanese know about it. Kimono is Japanese traditional clothes and we are very proud of its history and culture. I’m sorry but I feel this name choice is simply ignorant. #KimOhNo.’ 

Dating back to 15th century Japan, the kimono, which literally means ‘thing to wear on the shoulders’, is a T-shaped wrapped garment with set loose long sleeves, tied with a sash.

Considered the national dress of Japan, it is now mostly worn during special occasions such as weddings and coming-of-age ceremonies, and is mostly worn by women.

Those who tend to wear a kimono the most on a daily basis are older men and women, geisha and sumo wrestlers, who are required to wear traditional Japanese dress whenever appearing in public.

And in the months prior to the kimono name controversy, she also faced backlash for being culturally insensitive yet again. 

In April of that year, she faced strong criticism for wearing a traditional Indian maang tikka head piece for a church service.

In June of the year before, she was slammed for wearing tight, cornrow-style braids to the MTV Movie and TV Awards show.