Kim Kardashian Accused of Stealing From Black Culture With New Makeup Collection

The members of the Kardashian-Jenner family have gotten themselves into more than a few cultural appropriation controversies over the years, so frequently that it almost seems a regular occurence. This week, one such controversy swirled around Kim Kardashian, who was accused of stealing looks from black women in her new makeup collection.

According to PopBuzz, Kardashian’s new collection, which launches on Friday, Aug. 16, consists of eyeshadow palettes, matte lipsticks, lip liners, and eyeliners, inspired by significant looks of 1990s celebrities. However, several of the inspirations for the line, coupled with her promotional image, gave many fans the feeling that Kardashian was attempting to appropriate the styles of black women.

The promotional image Kardashian shared on social media features her sporting one of the makeup looks in an outfit that resembles her controversial Aaliyah Halloween costume. As one user remarked, “I thought we already went over appropriating black culture. Just cause you married Kanye doesn’t give you the right to imitate Aaliyah like this.” Many other Twitter users shared similar thoughts.

Kardashian has come under fire on multiple occasions in the past for appropriating the look and style of the other cultures. While she was most recently the subject of controversy due to the appropriative name of her Kimono shapewear line (which she later announced she would be changing), she has also been buffeted by a number of other accusations of commodifying black culture by stealing looks from without recognizing them.

While the situation with Kardashian’s new line is difficult to parse, we’re glad that people are making their voices heard--it’s always important to see not just the chic styles of the Kardashians, but also where those styles come from.