Ok, so it’s 2002. Tweet is known as a singer and not a form of social networking. Alicia Keys still wears her hair in braids and Karli Kani jeans are actually considered as cool. Who knew that this would be the year the world would be formerly introduced to one of the most influential artists of all time. Mr Kanye West.
Being one of many rappers in the game Yeezy made sure he didn’t get lost in a world of gold chains and XXL basketball shirts, instead he helped turn the traditionally hip-hop brother to the 21st century metrosexual male. So where did it all begin? Here’s a look at some of Kanye’s noteworthy looks…
The Birth Of The College Drop Out
During this time, Kanye was making a name for himself as a Chicago producer meaning that he wasn’t in the public spotlight as much as the artists such as Jay-Z, Nas and Talib Kweli, who he was producing tracks for. During these years, Kanye liked rocking his gold chains and casual sportswear, just like everyone else in the rap game at the time.
The hugely acclaimed ‘College Dropout’ introduced the world to Kanye West. He effortlessly transformed the famous Carlton Banks college prep look into urban elegance. Soon he moved from looking like a 70s pimp to a more comfortable chap.
It’s as though Kanye wanted to step into to the rap game saying, “Yeah I’m middle class and what!?”Proving that he wasn’t your average rapper. And we all know, Yeezy loves to prove a point.
‘The Louis Vuitton Don’
You only have to look back at the last thirty years to see that Hip Hop has earned itself a respectable presence in the world of fashion. From Adidas to Louboutin, artists love to endorse expensive labels in their music videos and their daily appearances.
So, after stepping onto the scene as the self-proclaimed “Louis Vuitton Don” it was apparent that his relationship with the luxury French label would grow into more than a nickname.
Suited And Booted
Seeing that his Hampton’s inspired preppy look was receiving positive reactions from the industry, in the years ahead of his career Kanye soon started experimenting more with suits and formal wear. Though sometimes the Chicago native, would end up looking more 70’s prom kings and fewer Savile Rows.
We may be trying our best to forget West’s bare chest and gold medallion 2006 Grammy look but this date also points out the moment Kanye started looking for slim and tailored cuts to add to his wardrobe.
Kanye the trendsetter
Come 2007 and Kanye managed to bag himself six Grammy’s, three MOBOs, one Brit and an MTV Video Music award. His styling around his third studio album ‘Graduation,’ yet again defined him as a trendsetter.
Thanks to Kanye and French designer Alain Mikli, men and women around the world were proudly sporting one of the most pointless accessories ever designed. Shutter shades. Great.
Putting aside Yeezy’s exotic choice in eye wear, Graduation saw the rapper opt more for street wear, a contrast to the more put together style we were used to seeing him wear.
So What If I’m Wearing A Skirt?
With rappers now ditching their Air force Ones for a pair of leggings and Uggs, it didn’t come as much of a surprise when we saw Yeezy sporting blouse, female knits and oh yeah that world-famous leather skirt. And though, he wore it in true Kanye style, many thought that this was a tad too far.
Early last year, Kanye gave paparazzi and celebrity junkies another reason to love (or more likely loathe him) even more with the news that he was officially in a relationship with reality TV star Kim Kardashian.
The style power couple were being snapped leaving hotels, restaurants and even the gym looking nothing less than glam. Fans of Kim had noticed that she had even adopted a new elegant style of clothing and makeup, saying that Kanye had had a major influence in her wardrobe change.
So whether he’s rocking an argyle jumper or a floor length Mink coat, there’s no doubt that Kanye West is one of the most influential fashionistas currently in the music industry.
His eccentric and daring new styles may have initially left the majority of us thinking “WTF,” but no sooner than later we’ll be seeing men wearing leather kilts to football matches. All in the name of fashion. Though he has legions of designers at his disposal, the main thing that should be said about Yeezy is that he knows what he wants, through the years on his throne and numerous outfit changes have never failed to miss our sights.
Written by Nsofwa Kangwa [@Saff_Kangwa]
