Kim Kardashian's wardrobe has taken a noticeable trip through fashion's Chinese-inspired archives lately, and Reddit has questions about whether she is appreciating the culture or borrowing a little too enthusiastically.
Over the past month, Kardashian has worn several archival designs drawing from Chinese dress, including a Tom Ford-era Yves Saint Laurent gown with a high collar and intricate floral embroidery. During a September trip to Shanghai, she wore an archival Christian Dior design from John Galliano's Fall 1997 collection, while her recent Singapore Grand Prix wardrobe included a pink Roberto Cavalli Spring 2003 ensemble inspired by the cheongsam.
The recurring theme caught netizen's attention after one user compiled several of Kardashian's Asian-inspired looks under the question: 'Appropriation or appreciation?'
Some Fans See Fashion Appreciation, Not Appropriation
Several commenters argued that simply wearing clothing influenced by another culture does not automatically make it appropriation. 'I don't really understand appropriation. Everyone knows its origin, what's wrong with wearing it?' one Redditor asked.
Others who identified themselves as Chinese or shared experiences visiting China said foreigners wearing Chinese clothing could be welcomed rather than viewed as offensive.
'Chinese woman here. I personally do not take offence to it, she wears it well,' one commenter wrote, adding that the fitted silhouettes suit Kardashian's figure.
Another Redditor, whose husband is Chinese, recalled shop workers in China being excited to dress her in local styles, describing the experience as cultural participation rather than disrespect.
One social media user offered an insightful observation, clearly highlighting where that line is drawn: 'It's okay to wear it. It's only a problem if people use it to mock the culture.'
The comment section wasn't free from negative feedback, as some users dove into other angles of the discussion. 'She doesn't have style. It's always tight dresses. With a flap here and there', shared one user, highlighting a pattern in her wardrobe preferences.
Others were even more critical, expressing perspectives from 'Everything looks so cheap on her. Like absolutely everything' to 'She loves appropriating.'
Another Reddit user chimed in with: 'Appropriation, Only because that's what Kim does, she copies all kinds of cultures, she doesn't have her own identity none of them do'.
Kim Kardashian's 'Kimono' History Entered the Chat
Then again, some critics said Kardashian's clothes weren't the only issue. Her history with the word 'kimono' quickly resurfaced.
In 2019, Kardashian originally announced her shapewear company under the name Kimono, prompting criticism in Japan and the viral hashtag #KimOhNo. Kyoto Mayor Daisaku Kadokawa even wrote to Kardashian asking her to reconsider using the name, arguing that kimono culture should not be monopolised. Kardashian eventually dropped the name and relaunched the company as SKIMS.
'I think if she hadn't also tried to trademark the word "kimono" ... this wouldn't be so controversial,' one Redditor wrote of the latest fashion debate.
Wearing a designer's Chinese-inspired dress is different from trying to build a commercial brand around the name of a traditional Japanese garment. Still, both conversations ended up under the same broad 'appropriation' umbrella, and criticism rained down hard.
Reddit Can't Agree on Where the Line Is
Some commenters argued that cultural appropriation is better understood through context, including whether a culture is being mocked, stripped of credit, or used for someone else's profit.
'Where there is genuine appreciation, usually the culture being borrowed does not categorize it as appropriation,' one Redditor wrote, while cautioning that appreciation should involve understanding rather than simply deciding something looks good.
Others weren't interested in putting Kardashian's wardrobe on trial. 'I mean she looks good in it,' one user admitted, while another called the Chinese-inspired pieces some of her favourite looks.
Kardashian's current fashion run also isn't happening without a stylist's hand. Law Roach reportedly confirmed her as a client, and their first major outing together featured that archival Yves Saint Laurent gown.
Appreciation or appropriation? The world of Reddit hasn't reached a verdict. Kardashian, though, appears perfectly happy to keep raiding the international archives while everyone else argues over the dress code.
