The Yeezy Empire showcases what makes Kanye West a billionaire.
Kanye West’s unique and distinctive style has helped the Yeezy brand capture the admiration of fashion enthusiasts worldwide.
The Origin from Nike Air
From the very beginning of his career, Kanye West has shown a passion for the fashion industry. While adidas Yeezy has become a well-known name, few are aware that Kanye initially collaborated with Nike. This partnership achieved certain successes, but due to disagreements over rights, both sides had to end their collaboration. During their time together (2009-2013), Kanye and Nike produced impressive sneaker models like the Nike Yeezy Zen and Nike Yeezy Blink. Notably, the Air Yeezy 2 SP Red October sold out a staggering 5,000 pairs in just 13 minutes after its release.
The Dominance of the Yeezy Shoe Empire
At the end of 2013, adidas announced its partnership with Kanye West, marking a transition from the swoosh logo to the iconic three stripes. In February 2015, the first product—adidas Yeezy Boost 750—was launched, ushering in a new era for sneaker fans. Kanye skillfully generated public curiosity through teaser images and by wearing unreleased shoes at major events. His designs are characterized by their uniqueness and impressive aesthetics, along with boost materials that offer comfort. Notably, Kanye even incorporated seaweed into the shoe production process. Today, adidas Yeezy is regarded as one of the most influential brands in the world.
Clothing as a Work of Art
Not stopping at footwear, Kanye West also designs fashion apparel. On October 29, 2015, the first collection from adidas Originals and Kanye—Yeezy Season 1—was released, attracting attention with its minimalist style, true to the rapper’s essence. In shows, Kanye consistently cherishes his sneakers, viewing them as works of art. He once stated that Yeezy is a combination of McDonald’s and Apple’s products, reflecting his pride and aspiration for his brand to become the new standard in the fashion industry.
