Yeezy Season 1: A Review and Look at the Influences

Yeezy x Adidas Collection Finale

New York Fashion week went in full throttle (and of course one of the most anticipated shows finally came to berth). After eighteen months of preparation, Kanye West unveiled his collection for Adidas, via a Vanessa Beecroft performance piece, which complemented the new minimalist style Kanye displayed.

Vanessa Beecroft (a feminist Italian artist) was an apt choice for Kanye to collaborate with. The former is incredibly skilled at stripping things back to the core; cleverness the latter is exceedingly fond of. Undeniably, the resulting collection of this dynamic partnership was truly simplistic and minimalist in nature, a style for which West has become known.

Beecroft exhibition (top left), Kanye West x ADIDAS collection (top right), Solange Knowles wedding portrait, Kanye West runway video directed by Beecroft

The artist renowned in the industry for showcasing pieces (that sometimes comprises merely of underwear with a combination of heels and pantyhose as wigs) did not disappoint observers. She draws on the figurative compositions of the Renaissance Art Period to create her own contemporary forms; and does not stray from her typical provocative style. Models like Leomie Anderson graced the floor adorned in pantyhose combinations. In the customary Beecroft style, static models looked very much “aloof and numb”; exemplifying her signature Military ranking. Her performances often question and seek to identify political and social issues as well as establish an odd carnal relationship with the enthralled audience. 50 models of all shape, colour and size were employed to reflect the divergent categories of people globally.

Nude Palette

Green Palette

Black Palette

Brown and Red Palette

The collection featured a number of garments and footwear that included: the Adidas Yeezy 750 boost and the Yeezy 350 boost.

Elements of Kanye’s typical style and personal pieces from his usual day-to-day looks were reintroduced. This includes; the oversized military jackets, shield vests (also seen on baby North), and distressed bohemian knits. Female models sported the leggings with tight tops, stocking tucked into the footwear, oversized or bulky coats and knits (a look also embraced by Kim Kardashian as she sat in support of her re-acclaimed designer husband).

Kanye looks to London Riots as a reference

Police wear appear to be a point of inspiration to Kanye’s collection

Kanye vocalised the inspiration of the collection being the London Riots, although there’s no direct referencing and links to show the correlation. However the strong Military references were picked up on, from the green hues, nudes and blacks that can be extracted from the typical camouflage pattern to the shades of greys from possibly the American army uniform. The oversized backpack was a great addition to some bland pieces. Towards the end, we were treated to sparks of red and vibrant colours to shake up the mix.

Camouflage references

Footwear

He further introduced a new style silhouette in the boost series and a boost low, which resembles the Nike fly knits and roshe run series.

Nike vs Adidas x Kanye

Yeezy 750 Boosts will go on sale on tomorrow, Saturday, February 14 and will retail at $350 dollars. However only a limited 9000 will be released. Reservations can be made now.

Diddy, Jay Z, Beyonce and Kim Kardashian

Aside from a beautifully executed show, the star studded guests from Beyoncé and Jay-Z to P- Diddy and Anna Wintour all showed approval to Mr West and his re-initiation into fashion week success. The youngest of the Kardashian-Jenner clan, Kylie successfully made her debut into the fashion world. Kudos too are in order to Beecroft for yet another breath-taking performance piece.