Page 12 - IAV Digital Magazine #477

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Bum Move: Kim Kardashian ‘Kimono' Shapewear Sparks Japan Debate
TOKYO (AFP): American televi- sion star Kim Kardashian has sparked debate in Japan by naming her new line of shapewear, Kimono, prompt- ing some to accuse her of dis- respecting the traditional outfit.
The pop culture icon unveiled the new Kimono line on Twitter, reveal- ing she had been working for a year on the underwear to offer "solutions for women that actually work". But the announcement garnered mixed reaction both at home and in Japan, with some offering their criti- cism on Twitter using the hashtag #KimOhNo.
"She's been to Japan many times. I'm shocked. She has
no respect," tweeted one user in Japanese.
"I like Kim Kardashian, but please pick a name other than kimono if it's underwear," wrote another.
"The Japanese government should file a protest against Kardashian,"
wrote a third.
Kimono literally means "some- thing to wear", while Kardashian's use of it appeared to be a play on her first name. The new line's website offered no expla- nation, and Kardashian has yet to respond to her online detrac- tors.
And not everyone was opposed to the name, with some users argu- ing it could offer a chance to pro- mote a traditional outfit that is declining in popu- larity even in Japan.
Once a standard of the Japanese wardrobe, the kimono is now
often reserved for special occa- sions, 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 com- mon with the snug garb being offered by Kardashian,
kimonos are not only often hugely expensive but known for being hard to wear.
Women frequent- ly hire experts to dress them in kimono because the outfit requires seemingly end- less nipping, tuck- ing and strapping. - AFP
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