#KimOhNo
Kim Kardashian faced backlash for naming her shapewear line “Kimono.”
Origin & Impact
In June 2019, Kim Kardashian announced her shapewear line would be called “Kimono” (a play on her name), leading to immediate criticism for cultural appropriation. The Japanese garment has deep cultural significance, and using it as a pun for shapewear was seen as disrespectful. The hashtag #KimOhNo trended as people expressed disappointment.
After significant backlash including from the mayor of Kyoto and the Japanese ambassador to the US, Kardashian apologized and renamed the brand “SKIMS.” The incident became a case study in cultural sensitivity, trademark issues, and how even major celebrities can misread cultural moments.
Related Hashtags
#Kimono #CulturalAppropriation #SKIMS #KimKardashian