Amen to Kanye’s big showcase
FASHION, FAMILY AND MUSIC MEET Rap star reveals new album and Yeezy Season 3.
anye West, pictured, is many things: rap megastar, fashion designer, husband of Kim Kardashian – and his worlds collided in front of more than 15 000 people at New York’s Madison Square Garden on Thursday.
West unveiled his new album and latest fashion collection before a packed crowd at the massive arena in the most hyped event of fashion week in the Big Apple.
The 38-year-old, self-styled modern renaissance man, dressed in a red sweat shirt and black hat, spent an hour singing from The Life of Pablo, while models showcased pieces from his Yeezy Season 3 line.
Standing or seated, some with naked torsos, his models did not move, nor smile nor look at anyone. The only flash of movement was a fleeting appearance from supermodel Naomi Campbell.
“I feel so happy to be able to follow my dream and create as an artist,” West told the audience.
His reality star wife Kim was there with platinum blonde hair and dressed in fur. The couple’s daughter, North, and the rest of her family were also along for the ride, including Kim’s sisters Kourtneyand Khloe Kardashian.
“Tell me how you all feel about the clothes this season,” shouted the mercurial musician. “Make them cheaper,” shot back one spectator.
West offered sports-inspired apparel with large sweaters, military-style boots and jackets, each generally in one tone from a neutral palette of olive, beige, yellow, gray and white. West partners with Adidas for the collection.
The queue outside stretched more than 100m to see the boundary-pushing rapper, who has in the past compared himself to Michelangelo and floated an apparent bid for US president in 2020.
“Did I live up to my promise on that album?” he asked to cheers. “This is really a gospel album,” he said. “I feel so happy.” The music blended powerful women’s voices with frequent changes of rhythm. “It’s really progressive,” said Nathan Neal, a teenager, when asked what he thought of the album.
And the show? “It was excellent.” – AFP