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Kim Kardashian West has responded to the backlash she has received over her new shapewear line, Kimono. The controversially-named collection has been widely criticised by many who say that it disrespects the traditional Japanese clothing.

The reality star said in a statement to the New York Times that despite the controversy, she has no plans to change the name of her shapewear brand.

“I understand and have deep respect for the significance of the kimono in Japanese culture and have no plans to design or release any garments that would in any way resemble or dishonour the traditional garment,” she said. “I made the decision to name my company Kimono, not to disassociate the word from its Japanese roots but as a nod to the beauty and detail that goes into a garment.”

“Filing a trademark is a source identifier that will allow me to use the word for my shapewear and intimates line but does not preclude or restrict anyone, in this instance, from making kimonos or using the word kimono in reference to the traditional garment.”

Kardashian West had come under fire for disrespecting an integral part of Japanese cultural identity with the name. The kimono dates back to 15th Century Japan and is primarily worn for special occasions.

“[This] shapewear doesn’t even resemble a kimono – she just chose a word that has Kim in it – there’s no respect to what the garment actually means in our culture”, one Japanese woman, Yuka Ohishi, told the BBC.

Kardashian West, however, is standing by her idea.

“My solutionwear brand is built with inclusivity and diversity at its core and I’m incredibly proud of what’s to come,” she added.

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West trademarked the Kimono brand last year in the US and has also filed trademarks for “Kimono Body”, “Kimono Intimates” and “Kimono World”, according to the BBC.

The range is designed to smooth out lines under clothing and is available in nine different shades, spanning sizes from XXS to 4XL. The line is scheduled to make its debut in July.

From: Harper’s BAZAAR UK