One of the most anticipated collections to witness from Paris Fashion Week was from Hip-Hop artist/fashion icon/aspiring designer, Kanye West. The collections was shown on October 1st Paris, France at 9:00. Some of the most influential fashion figures of today such Anna WIntour, Lindsey Lohan, Terry Richardson, Jeremy Scott, and the Olson twins to name a few were in attendance for this historical moment.
This has been considered to be one of the most pivotal and critical points in Mr. West history regards to fashion. His collection will determined in the fashion world whether he should be taken seriously in the future. The Pastelle project was never completed due to various reasons (which I can understand to an extent based on his aesthetics over the years). On the other hand, once I heard the rumors were true for his womenswear collection to be launched, I was eagerly excited to see what the creative genius had up his sleeve! After the viewing of the collection, there were some extreme reviews from various sources.
The reviews I have read were not by any means complimentary to the overall collection. If you really want my true opinion, it was not bad.. However, being a fan of Kanye’s from day one, I was expecting something over the top, edgy, FASHION FORWARD! The garments were so been there/done that from previous collections from other designers. There was a little bit of Maz Azria, Francisco Acosta with Calvin Klein Collection or a little bit of Balmain. The collection did not show or EXPRESS the true creativity of Kanye West all the way (along the exception of the fur/leather combo or the descontructed hoodies)!
If the collection reflected the women in his life such as the consersative yet sex appeal vibes of Alexis Phifer to the Edginess of Amber Rose or the impact of Donda West had on his life would have suffice for creativity. These women within their own right completed Kanye in a certain period of time truly complimented his style. The choices of fabrics were great along with the clean lines which appeared to be laser cut. I was a little irritated on the blue trousers with the orange crotch. His choice of models were great. For example, it was great to see a minority model such as Chanel Iman walk down the runway as the final look.
The only true gripe I have is the fact Kanye has not geared a collection towards his demographic. There was NO sense having any garments which was to reflect or exhibit the urban demographic whatsoever. I understand how us black people fail the chance of supporting offer, but come on! Jay Z was actually smart enough to actually cater to the demographic which has helped him become successful today! It may be affordable and not high end, but it does show acknowledgment of him providing his supporters clothing which is based on the music he’s made throughout the years.
Some People argue he should just stick to rapping. Its not a fair thing to say when its a person first collection. Don;t you designers think you can go into the booth spit a few bars and have a Jim Moore or Miss Jay Alexander collab on the album; Just would not happen lol!! The womenswear collection will either make or break Kanye. Kanye West is not easily broken, but being a fashion icon requires several high expectations. That is like a guy admiring the curves of a volumpuous woman, but only to find out she isn’t as appealing once the clothes are. Not necessarily saying she looks bad, but the expectations does not equate with result.
image source: Freshness Mag
