The Grammy-winning performer, now known as Ye, sauntered on the muddy runway wearing a black cap, flak jacket, and leather pants, along with a thick beard and numerous facial wounds and bruises.
Kanye West made his debut as a model during Paris Fashion Week, walking in a show.
The Grammy-winning performer made an unannounced debut as a model for the premium brand Balenciaga, kicking off the show for their spring/summer 2023 collection.
West, now known as Ye, walked a runway created to represent a grim dystopian future, complete with a muddy track with puddles of water and gunfire and techno music.
For his debut on the catwalk, he donned an all-black ensemble, from his Balenciaga baseball cap and flak jacket to his leather trousers, and sported a thick beard and obvious facial injuries.
Some fans voiced concern for his health following the performance when his bloodied lip and bruised cheek were particularly noticeable, but they appeared to be part of his makeup.
As he approached the Givenchy presentation while sporting a black Balenciaga mouthguard, he was surrounded by admirers.
After the presentation, West, 45, uploaded a photo of himself on the runway with the word “war” as the only caption.
The creative director of Balenciaga, Demna, explained his use of mud on the runway in an Instagram post, stating: “This show’s set is a metaphor for searching for the truth and being grounded. Let everyone be whomever they want to be and make love, not war.”
North, nine, Saint, six, Chicago, four, and Psalm, three, were all present to show support for West.
Kim Kardashian, who filed for divorce from Kanye West in February 2021, did not attend the concert, but her sisters Khloe Kardashian and Kylie Jenner did.
West is no new to the fashion industry, as he has already collaborated with major labels such as Louis Vuitton, Nike, and Gap.
Following rumors, West appeared to confirm that he will also showcase Yeezy season nine during Paris fashion week with an Instagram post that read “SZN9.”
Earlier mood boards for his collection featured Rihanna, Beyonce, Angelina Jolie, Naomi Campbell, and Kim Kardashian posted on his Instagram account, leaving some admirers anticipating seeing them walk the runway.
Unfortunately, it is more likely that they served as inspiration for some of Yeezy’s most recent designs.
