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Kanye West's Passion for Fashion

Can Kanye Cut It As a Fashion Designer?

Kanye Omari West, born June 8, 1977 is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer, fashion designer, and entrepreneur. Born in Atlanta and raised in Chicago, West briefly attended art school before becoming known as a producer for Roc-A-Fella Records in the early 2000s, producing hit singles for artists such as Jay-Z and Alicia Keys.

Intent on pursuing a solo career as a rapper, West released his debut album The College Dropout in 2004 to widespread critical and commercial success, and founded the record label GooD Music. From cardigans to creating his own runway collection, here is Kanye West's ascent to the pinnacle of the fashion world.

Kanye's Fashion Timeline
KANYE WEST, the infamously self-assured singer who stated to The Associated Press last month (Nov 2008) that he "will go down as the voice of this generation," is apparently far more humble when it comes to fashion. In the hope of better understanding the design process, Mr. West has announced that he wants to take time off from his music career and intern at a fashion house. Preferably, Louis Vuitton or Raf Simons.

Early in his career, West made clear his interest in fashion and desire to work in the clothing design industry. In September 2005, West announced that he would release his Pastelle Clothing line in spring 2006, claiming "Now that I have a Grammy under my belt and Late Registration is finished, I am ready to launch my clothing line next spring.

The line was developed over the following four years - with multiple pieces teased by West himself - before the line was ultimately cancelled in 2009. In 2009, West collaborated with Nike to release his own shoe, the Air Yeezys, with a second version released in 2012. In January 2009, West introduced his first shoe line designed for Louis Vuitton during Paris Fashion Week.

The line was released in Summer 2009. West has additionally designed shoewear for Bape and Italian shoemaker Giuseppe Zanotti.In fall 2009 West moved to Rome and did an internship at Italian fashion brand Fendi where he gave ideas for the men's collection. In March 2011, West collaborated with M/M Paris for a series of silk scarves featuring artwork from My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy.

On October 1, 2011, Kanye West premiered his women's fashion label, DW Kanye West at Paris Fashion Week. He received support from DSquared2 duo Dean and Dan Caten, olivier Theyskens, Jeremy Scott, Azzedine Alaia, and the olsen twins, who were also in attendance during his show. His debut fashion show received mixed-to-negative reviews, ranging from reserved observations by Style.com to excoriating commentary in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, the International Herald Tribune, Elleuk.com, The Daily Telegraph, Harper's Bazaar and many others. on March 6, 2012, West premiered a second fashion line at Paris Fashion Week. The line's reception was markedly improved from the previous presentation, with a number of critics heralding West for his "much improved" sophomore effort.

On December 3, 2013, Adidas officially confirmed a new shoe collaboration deal with West. After months of anticipation and rumors, West confirmed the release of the Adidas Yeezy Boosts. In 2015, West unveiled his Yeezy Season clothing line, premiering Season 1 in collaboration with Adidas early in the year. The line received positive critical reviews, with Vogue observing "a protective toughness, a body-conscious severity that made the clothes more than a simple accessory."

The release of the Yeezy Boosts and the full Adidas collaboration was showcased in New York City on February 12, 2015, with free streaming to 50 cinemas in 13 countries aroun. An initial release of the Adidas Yeezy Boosts was limited to 9000 pairs to be available only in New York City via the Adidas smartphone app; the Adidas Yeezy Boosts were sold out within 10 minutes. The shoes released worldwide on February 28, 2015, were limited to select boutique stores and the Adidas UK stores.

Kanye West Gives Hilarious Response

To Paparazzo Asking About

His Fashion Industry Plans


"Do you see this coat?!"

Feb 17, 2015 While it's undeniable that Kanye has a steller sense of style and influence in the fashion world, the verdict is still out on whether he has what it takes to add Fashion Designer to his overflowing creative resume. The musician has had a hand in the fashion world for over a decade now. He has collaborated with brands ranging from Nike to Louis Vuitton-mostly on footwear-and held fashion internships at design houses like Fendi.
To Fern Mallis: I just want you to understand that attempting to do clothing has been very difficult," West wrote. "And I have encountered countless amounts of bigotry along the way. I have millions of ideas, and I represent a new generation just trying to express themselves in a broken world.
I don't call myself a designer as I was not allowed to go to Saint Martins - because I was too famous by the time I realized I wanted to design. Fame is often looked down upon in the design world, so it's actually been something I had to overcome.

He followed with Season 2 later that year at New York Fashion Week. on February 11, West premiered his Yeezy Season 3 clothing line at Madison Square Garden in conjunction with the previewing of his album The Life of Pablo. In June 2016, Adidas announced a new long-term contract with Kanye West which sees the Yeezy line extend to a number of stores and enter sports performance products. The Yeezys will be seen in basketball, football, soccer, and more.

February 2017, West unveiled the Yeezy Season 5 collection to favorable responses from critics. In May 2017, West, alongside wife Kim Kardashian, launched a clothing line for children titled "Kids Supply". A second collection was released in July 2017. Kanye seems to be taking the stage already in 2018, with Yeezy Season 6 gaining public attention already. However, it is yet to be official announced.

If there's one thing we know about Kanye West it's that no matter what, he's pushing, or how crazy he looks while doing it, he talks a lot and loudly and he sure as hell makes sure we know all about it. You might say that he is, in fact, an influencer. Like, he actually convinces people to physically follow his lead, like some leather clad, aggressively passionate Pied Piper. Most recently (and infamously) Yeezy has been pushing his fashion agenda hard.

Kanye West has disrupted many industries. Music, namely-but his influence on fashion might become as far-reaching. His Yeezy line has brought in loosesilhouttes, muted neutral colors, and an air of not giving a damn what traditional fashion might deem appropriate. oh, and some of the most hyped sneakers of the decade. But of course, his style influence began with his personal style. Here's a description of some of the most notably Kanye looks.

His Favorites

Basically, Kanye loves monochrome outfits with black as favorite. He also puts on some well-timed graphic tee-shirts paired, of course, with an equally graphic bomber. Don't be supprised to see West with Crewneck sweatshirt, long-hem tee, slim pants, and Adidas. He would wear Yeezys: with a hoodie, compression pants, and mesh shorts (basketball shorts as well). He also loves tucking his pants into his boots, he loves Sweatpants and fur. He likes wearing long-hem shearling jackets on most outfits even on sweats. When it comes to Kanye West, fashion designer, there's no umming and ahhing. You're either a disciple of Yeezys or you're, well, a Judas.

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