Kanye West is a lot of things — a rapper, a god, Mr. Kim Kardashian — but last week, he became a fashion designer.
As part of New York Fashion Week, West debuted Yeezy Season 1, his fashionable activewear collection with Adidas on February 12. The collection consisted of athletic apparel and accessories for women and men, from seamless tops to nude bodysuits and black leggings.
When activewear rose 9% last year, compared with a 2% rise in overall apparel sales, West’s decision to design athletic apparel was an obvious one. Before the show began, a voice recording played overhead that revealed West’s more philosophical reasons for creating a fashion line.
“I want people to feel like it’s OK to create and follow what their dreams are and not feel boxed in,” West said in the recording. “I want people to feel like awesome is possible.”
In addition to Yeezy Season 1’s sports bras, tank tops, and leggings, the collection stood out due to its use of ripped and oversized sweaters, something rare in the world of athletic apparel and accessories for women or men. The collection’s outerwear — in particular, a white shearling coat — was a particular standout, according to the Michigan Daily.
The show primarily focused on the Yeezy Boost, West’s boot-inspired sneaker. The shoe reflected the simplicity and innovative design that was the running theme throughout the show.
And West certainly wasn’t lacking in attention for his collection — A-listers like Beyonce and Jay-Z, Rihanna and Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour sat along the front row, the Belfast Telegraph reports. Wife Kim Kardashian and their daughter North were also present, and Kylie Jenner herself modeled some of the collection’s looks on the runway.
Some may think West’s obsession with his impact on the world is a sign of narcissism or arrogance — but his drive to create and inspire other artists to think outside the box is admirable.
And if Yeezy Season 1 doesn’t catch on with West’s fans, he still always has his music — he finished out the show with a performance of his newest song, “Wolves.”
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