Kim Kardashian caves to pressure, changes name of 'Kimono' underwear

Kim Kardashian West has bowed to pressure to rebrand her range of "inclusive" shapewear after she was accused of cultural appropriation and borderline racism over the name, Kimono.

Kardashian West announced the change via her social media accounts on Monday night, saying she had made the decision after "listening, learning and growing" from the feedback from fans and the general public.

"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," she wrote.

The businesswoman announced last week she was entering the underwear market with a range of mostly nude-coloured undergarments in nine "flesh" colours and sizes XXS to XXXXL.

Although the inclusiveness of the range was hailed as a win for diversity, the announcement was sullied by Kardashian West's decision to not only name her range Kimono but also her move to trademark the word.

She was accused of cultural appropriation for seemingly capitalising on the name of a traditional Japanese garment ("kimono" actually means all clothing in Japanese but has since come to be associated with one particular garment, the traditional robe).

The furore, which began on social media but quickly spread, even prompted the mayor of Kyoto to pen an open letter to the TV star turned entrepreneur to express his disappointment.

In the letter, Daisaku Kadokawa asked Kardashian West "to reconsider your decision of using the name Kimono in your trademark", explaining kimono's "rich nature and history with our predecessors’ tireless endeavours and studies, and it is a culture that has been cherished and passed down with care".

Kardashian West has not yet announced the new name of the range, which includes one-pieces, tops and bottoms, including a one-legged short designed for dresses with thigh-high splits.

A letter from Kyoto mayor Daisaku Kadokawa to Kim Kardashian West protesting the 'Kimono' name of her shapewear line.

However, as of Tuesday morning, Australian time, the @kimono account on Instagram was still showing images of Kardashian West's range taken by famed photographer Vanessa Beecroft. There is no word on whether Kardashian West will relinquish the account given the latest announcement.

Scandal aside, Kardashian West's latest business venture continues the growth in brands offering diversity through size and colour, including Rihanna's Fenty lingerie and make-up lines, which has disrupted the cosmetics industry more widely by offering more than 40 shades of foundation.