In case you missed it, earlier this week, Kanye West debuted his Yeezy Season 4 collection for Adidas, to mixed reviews. Some raved over what they believed to be a celebration of Black beauty. Others were disgusted by the line’s poor quality, as countless models tip toed down the runway in broken boots and heels. Models were said to have fainted one by one as they stood for hours in the sun, waiting for the show to begin.
Is this the show? Waiting until the models collapse one by one? #YeezySeason4 #NYFW Am I complicit? What’s going on! pic.twitter.com/Mm5pi3GVKN
— Robin Givhan (@RobinGivhan) September 7, 2016
The discontent from fans, fashion enthusiasts, and fellow designers prompted West to say a few words.
“At the beginning of this performance I tried my best to not try. No, I tried to listen to all the reports and sh*t and I tried my best to stop trying,” West said on Friday, September 9, ahead of his “Saint Pablo Tour” performance during a Harper’s Bazaar party.
“But I just couldn’t do it! I couldn’t stop! No matter what they write, I just couldn’t stop!” According to Hollywood Life, he then thanked the crowd for supporting his transition from Grammy-winning rapper-producer to fashion mogul. “I appreciate y’all going on this journey for me. I appreciate all the years y’all put up with me learning in front of you and listening to the music at the same time,” he said.
“I appreciate the moment when Carine put her friend on the cover — no, not this moment — I’m talking about when she put Tom Ford on the cover,” he continued, referencing former editor of Vogue Paris and founder CR Fashion Book, Carine Roitfeld. “And all you mother f—ers were like, ‘Oh, Carine (is) over!’ She’s a mother f—ing icon though. There’s only one Carine.”
The rapper also took to Twitter to share some additional thoughts, writing, “Each and every one’s time, insight and feelings are invaluable to us. We want to make people feel great.”
It’s our life’s mission to create the most transformative experiences
— KANYE WEST (@kanyewest) September 9, 2016
Each and every one’s time, insight and feelings are invaluable to us. We want to make people feel great.
— KANYE WEST (@kanyewest) September 9, 2016
Thank you for embarking on this creative journey.
— KANYE WEST (@kanyewest) September 9, 2016
With love and respect, Kanye West
— KANYE WEST (@kanyewest) September 9, 2016
In other words, while the “Famous,” rapper may still be learning and values your feedback, don’t come for his creative juices. He can dish out the heat just as well as he can take it–sort of. What are your thoughts on West’s response to his NYFW show? Sound off in the comment section below.
