By: Laviniah Karanja, Fashion blogger and Face of Kenya UK 2014
It’s that time of the year. The New York Fashion Week (NYFW) has arrived and is in full swing. With top designers exhibiting their latest pieces on the catwalk, stars headlining the shows at the front row to get the first look at new designs, it’s apparent fashion is the talk of the town this week.
Day 1 of NYFW kicked off as Kanye West showcased his new sportswear line in collaboration with Addidas Originals. The show attracted a list of A-listers for front row including American Vogue Editor Anna Wintour, Jay Z, Beyonce, Rihanna, the Kardashian crew and North West in tow in what would be an unforgettable show.
Kanye West, who is not a novice in the world of fashion, has previously collaborated with brands ranging from Nike to Louis Vuitton for mostly footwear. When he showcased his first ever line of womenswear at Paris Fashion Week, it was met with highly critical reviews including New York Times Fashion Critic mention that “Mr West needs a tailor so the clothes will fit”.
Given West’s outlandish character and distinct sense of style, what could have been expected for his new line would be unpredictable and all the more suspense to visualise his new collection at his very first show at New York Fashion Week. But it much disappointment and shock which can only be likened to when a sweet melodic record plays in the background only to be brought to an abrupt end with no notice and one can feel the palpable silence.
His collection was heavily reliant on earth tones in a monochromatic form which is by no means displeasing to the eye but it was the main attraction – nude body stockings. Yes, nude body stockings worn as outwear highlighting the collection’s sportswear pieces in black, tan, green and white.
Clearly one for pushing the boundaries of fashion and in this instance reinventing and redefining what is palatable as outerwear, his passion for fashion and creative flair failed to translate to his new line. As undeniable as his appeal in music as a successful recording artiste and performer, the same cannot easily be said for his overall appeal as a fashion designer.
It was not all doom and gloom though. On a positive note, Kanye’s chose to use a variety of models for the show, with identifiable less restriction in size, ethnicity and height. The models displayed the line on the catwalk but the question that immediately comes to mind is how wearable are these pieces in public. Eager to put this to the test, a female writer, Deni Kirkova, decided to take to the streets to face passers-by, to some interesting reviews.
What are your thoughts on Kanye West’s latest line and would you wear underwear as outerwear?
