Kanye West Presents Dw F/W ’12!

After his 2011 debut was met with harsh criticism, Kanye West returned to Paris Fashion Week with a much more impressive collection. A second-time around might be just what Kanye needed to be taken seriously as a designer. Critics commented that West’s debut collection for Dw was disjointed and impractical. This year’s Fall/Winter collection is said to be more “concise” with lots of black (leather, fur, etc.) and a few neutrals interspersed throughout.

Kanye enlisted the star power of celebrities such as Kim Kardashian, rapper/signee Big Sean, Diddy, and Vogue’s Andre Leon Talley and Anna Wintour.

Kim K. stole the show, donning a pair of Kanye's $5800 Guiseppe Zanotti shoes

Check out the pics below!

          

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

          

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

          

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

          

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

          

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

          

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

          

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kanye West Debuts “Dw” in Paris!

 

Kanye West’s foray into fashion comes as no surprise. The rapper’s love of/interest in fashion generates as much buzz as his music. Ok…more like a close second. After much speculation, Kanye finally made the great leap as a designer. He debuted his Spring 2012 womenswear line Dw (the initials of his late mother Dr. Donda West in homage) during Paris Fashion Week. About 100 invitations were sent out to a who’s who among the fashion and entertainment industries. Celebrity attendees included Ciara, the Olsen twins, Lindsay Lohan, and a bevy of top models such as Chanel Iman and Karlie Kloss both of whom walked the runway. The clothes weren’t as daring as one might expect from Mr. West. The collection is predominantly conservative earth-toned garments with interesting cutouts. There was a lot of talk about the shoes that’d be used after Kanye reportedly spent several months in the factory of shoe designer Giuseppe Zanotti studying craftsmanship.

While the critics don’t seem to be very impressed with Kanye’s efforts, saying that the collection lacks vision, the clothing was ill-fitted, and that it just seems rushed, I admire him for taking a chance and doing something he seems to really love. He may not be the next McQueen or de la Renta, but everyone has to start somewhere. I do feel like most of the pieces are things that he would want to see his mate donning. Pics of the collection below. Thoughts???

 

VMAN: West & Lagerfeld

Kanye West covers the upcoming issue of VMAN magazine. Photographed by famed designer Karl Lagerfeld, Kanye is depicted in a very practical manner.  Never one to accept practicality, the cover also includes REAL one-dollar bills!

VMAN Creative director Virgil Abloh tweeted “Our Vman cover. Everything we put out breaks some sort of rule. Karl Lagerfeld and “Some kids from Chicago”.

Footage from the magazine’s prep below:

***UPDATE***

VMAN 21 was released today and here a few high-resolution color shots!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Runaway” -Kanye West

Kanye’s mini-movie Runaway premiered tonight. Very interesting to say the least! Concept is a bit vague; nonetheless, it’s visually/artistically stunning! Music video director Hype Williams handled the cinematography and model Selita Ebanks held the lead role opposite Mr. West.  Check it:

Cassius Clay Talks Styling Kanye X Runaway Premiere

Cassius Marcellus Cornelius Clay has become a household name (among certain households anyway). Why? The 20-year-old is Kanye West’s newest personal stylist and confidant. This is MAJOR given Kanye’s bold, trendsetting style and international celebrity.  The musician has had a major impact on the fashion world since he hit the scene in 2004 claiming the title “Louis Vuitton Don.”

A 19-year-old Cassius met Mr. West during a routine shopping trip at Barney’s New York. Kanye admired Cassius’ footwear and decided to pay him a compliment. Clay felt a tap on his shoulder, looked up, and to his surprise, it was Kanye West! The two continued their conversation while shopping and VOILA! Contact information is exchanged, meetings occur, and Cassius is integrated into Kanye’s team. After seeking counsel from Clay on all things, personal to professional, Kanye asks the now 20-year-old to ditch his career at Yale and travel the world with him.

Only in your wildest dreams right?! I can only imagine being presented with an opportunity such as this during a weekend mall run, but I digress.

Cassius was on hand at  New York’s Landmark Sunshine Theater for the premiere of Kanye’s new film Runaway.  He talked about collaborating with Mr. West on style decisions and their creative process. The film debuts Saturday (10/23) at 7pm on BET and MTV. Reviews thus far have been extremely positive. It’s said to be very artistically inspiring. Peep the video below: