If you’ve seen Kanye in his latest streetwear ensembles, you may not look at him and see a style icon. With his oversized shoulder pads and soleless sock shoes, his fashion sense has taken somewhat of a “unique” turn of late. But back before the world cancelled Ye for his antisemitic remarks, controversial political statements, and numerous other public outbursts, Kanye West was widely regarded as a trailblazer in men’s fashion.
Over his two-decade-long career in the music industry, West gradually built up a billion-dollar fashion empire while simultaneously dropping genre-defining albums. Each new phase of his career thus showcased a distinct and daring style that captivated both the music and fashion industries. We can talk about the many, many trends that Kanye West has influenced in men’s style over the years. Trends that include pink polo shirts, which he rocked during his College Dropout era, to those awful shutter shades (also known as Kanye West glasses), which became popular after his music video for “Stronger” dropped in 2007, pretty much everything he wears makes its way to pavements, coffee shops, and clubs around the world—and not just because he has access to a private Boeing 747 gifted to him by Team Adidas. In the words of the Jeen-Yuhs himself, “I am so credible and so influential and so relevant that I will change things”, and indeed he has. With his unapologetic confidence and boundary-pushing creativity, Kanye has influenced the fashion industry more than any other celebrity has.
However, Kanye West’s impact on men’s style goes beyond just specific trends. His fearless experimentation with fashion and willingness to push boundaries has inspired a whole new generation of artists and designers. From his collaborations with luxury brands like Louis Vuitton and Adidas to his own groundbreaking fashion line, West has solidified himself as a true icon in the world of fashion.
So, when it comes to Ye’s role in shaping the modern menswear look, it really is hard to overstate his influence. As StockX Senior Economist Jesse Einhorn puts it, “Talking about Kanye’s influence on fashion is like talking about God’s influence on creation.”. Whether it’s his bold experimentation with oversized silhouettes or his seamless fusion of high-end luxury with streetwear aesthetics, where Ye leads, his masses eagerly follow. As such, West’s impact on men’s style has been unparalleled. From his iconic Yeezy collections to his collaborations with major fashion houses, Kanye West has proven time and time again that he is a true trendsetter in the world of menswear. With all of this in mind, here are just a few of the ways that Kanye West has revolutionized men’s fashion over the years:
He was never afraid to embrace ‘feminine’ colours- including pink.
Since his early days on the scene, Kanye has never shied away from wearing bold colours, including pink! One of his most notable trends was the pink polo shirt, which everyone and their brother started wearing thanks to his influence. But his love for pink was certainly not limited to this one item. Kanye has consistently incorporated various shades of pink into his wardrobe, from the sauve pink suit he wore to the pre-Grammys brunch in 2005 to the hot pink “Holy Spirit” sweatshirt he sported during his Sunday Service performances. Pink has become synonymous with Kanye’s fashion choices, showcasing his fearless and unique sense of style. Whether it’s a subtle hint or a head-to-toe ensemble, Kanye continues to embrace the power of pink in his wardrobe, and by doing so, he has encouraged other men to do the same.
He made streetwear more high fashion.
The self-proclaimed “Louis Vuitton Don” has been instrumental in bridging the gap between high fashion and street culture, mixing luxury designer pieces like Balenciaga and Off-White with more accessible brands like Adidas and Supreme. Let’s not forget the impact he had on selling out some very famous luxury streetwear items, such as the Givenchy “Rottweiler” shirt and the LRG “Dead Serious” hoodie, leading to an increase in demand for high-end streetwear.
West’s own Yeezy brand also went on to introduce a fresh take on sportswear, combining comfort and functionality with high-fashion elements. His innovative designs have made athleisure a staple in modern men’s wardrobes while also gaining popularity among women. Kanye West’s influence on the fashion industry cannot be underestimated, as he (along with the late Virgil Abloh and Pharrell Williams) has been influential in blurring the lines between luxury and casual wear, inspiring a new generation of fashion enthusiasts to embrace the Athleisure trend.
He is the reason we are all wearing chunky dad shoes.
Remember those shoes from the 90s that were once considered unfashionable? Well, Kanye West single-handedly made them cool again. Ok, maybe that’s a bit of an exaggeration, but his Adidas Yeezy 700 “Wave Runner” sneakers, with their bulky silhouette and retro colour palette, did sell out instantly when they were released back in 2017. The fashion world quickly took notice, and soon chunky dad shoes were seen on the feet of celebrities and fashion influencers everywhere. In fact, it became so popular that even high-end luxury brands started creating their own versions of the chunky dad shoe. Designers like Balenciaga and Gucci released their own interpretations, elevating the trend to a new level of luxury. The once-dismissed footwear became a symbol of status and fashion-forwardness, illustrating Kanye West’s influence on the industry.
He made leather joggers the in thing.
West’s boldness in experimenting extends to his fabric choices. He has often incorporated leather, fur, and even unconventional fabrics like neoprene into his wardrobe. This fearless approach to fashion pushed boundaries and inspired other designers to think outside the box when it came to materials. In one of his infamous rants, the renowned rapper even went so far as to credit himself and the late Virgil Abloh with introducing the idea of leather joggers to Fendi during their time as interns for the company—a trend that quickly gained popularity in high- end circles and trickled down to mainstream fashion.
We will never know whether or not this statement is true, but Kanye was definitely influential in making these uncomfortable pants popular for a while. Perhaps Ye has a knack for spotting trends before they blow up, or maybe he simply has a strong influence on the fashion industry. Regardless, his endorsement of leather joggers undoubtedly contributed to their rise in popularity and solidified them as a trendy fashion choice worldwide.
He popularised skinnier pants silhouettes.
Another trend Ye claims to have popularised is skinny jeans. Many may remember yet another of his viral rants where he proudly claimed to have “made it so we could wear tight jeans”, and that may not be too far from the truth. While the exact extent of his influence on the rise of skinny jeans is debatable, there is no denying that his fashion choices and public persona have played a significant role in making more fitted silhouettes popular in mainstream fashion. He has famously worn this style of jeans consistently throughout his career, like at the MTV Video Music Awards in 2009, where he donned a pair of Balmain biker jeans while infamously ruining Taylor Swift’s acceptance speech or in 2016, where he paired a ripped skinny with a bejewelled Balmain trucket jacket to one of the most prestigious and glamorous fashion events of the year. These iconic moments further solidified his status as a trendsetter and contributed to the widespread adoption of skinny jeans. So yes, Kanye West’s influence on the popularity of skinny jeans is pretty undeniable.
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He added flair to men’s accessories.
Kanye West has never been someone to shy away from a bold accessory. His reverence for flair is evident in his love for statement pieces like oversized sunglasses, chunky gold chains, and unique hats. By incorporating these eye-catching accessories into his outfits, West not only elevated his own personal style but also encouraged others to step outside their comfort zones and express themselves through fashion. While some may argue that his choices are eccentric or even outrageous, there is no denying that Kanye West has brought a fresh perspective and creativity to the industry, from popularizing trends like wearing backpacks and shutter shades in the early years of his career to collaborating with luxury brands like Maison Margiela to create some of the most iconic headgear (which, while we may not be bold enough to wear, we can certainly admire from afar), Ye has consistently pushed boundaries and challenged traditional fashion norms. Who knows, in the very distant future, we may all be rocking diamond head gear too.
He played a significant role in breaking down gender barriers in fashion.
Before there was A$AP Rocky, Young Thug, and Jaden Smith, Kanye West was challenging traditional notions of masculinity by incorporating feminine elements into his own style. In 2011, Ye sported a silk Celine blouse from the women’s collection while performing on stage at the Coachella music festival. This bold move sparked conversations about gender fluidity and opened doors for other male artists to experiment with their fashion choices. Later that year, the rapper made headlines again when he collaborated with French luxury brand Givenchy for his “Watch the Throne” tour with Jay-Z. West donned a series of avant-garde outfits that blurred the lines between masculine and feminine aesthetics. From oversized kilts to intricately embroidered jackets, and even wearing tops long enough to be considered as dresses, his fearless approach to fashion-challenged societal norms and inspired a new wave of creativity within the industry.
Kanye would later go on to launch his own fashion line, Yeezy, which showcased gender-neutral designs and celebrated diversity on the runway. Through his groundbreaking choices and unapologetic self-expression, Kanye West has undoubtedly played a significant role in breaking down gender barriers in fashion, paving the way for future generations to embrace their individuality without fear of judgment or limitation.
He made it cool to care about fashion and experiment with style.
Kanye has been rapping about fashion since the early days of his career, incorporating references to luxury brands and designer labels into his lyrics. From rapping about his love for Louis Vuitton to name-dropping iconic fashion figures like Anna Wintour, Kanye has consistently shown a deep appreciation for the artistry and craftsmanship behind clothing. His passion for fashion has not only influenced his own style but has also inspired countless fans to view fashion as a form of self-expression and creativity. By merging the worlds of music and fashion, Kanye has helped to redefine what it means to be a modern-day style icon. He challenged the notion that hip-hop artists couldn’t be stylish and pushed boundaries with his avant-garde outfits, and no matter how unusual or unconventional his outfits get, his super-sized confidence (which often comes off as arrogance) allows him to pull off any look with ease.
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In closing:
Say what you want about Kanye West. There’s no denying his impact on the men’s fashion industry. From his early days rocking a popped collar and a Louis Vuitton backpack to his foray into fashion design, Kanye has consistently pushed the envelope and redefined what it means to be stylish.
Throughout his career, West’s unique style and bold fashion choices have not only sparked trends but also challenged traditional norms. No matter how unusual his looks may get, his fearless approach to self-expression has inspired a new generation of men to embrace individuality and break free from sartorial constraints.
While we may not agree with his controversial statements and actions or even his sometimes-erratic behaviour, there is no denying the impact Kanye West has had on the fashion world. Despite the criticism he may face, Kanye’s ability to constantly reinvent himself and stay ahead of the curve is what has set him apart from other musicians and designers. Whether it’s his unique aesthetic or his ability to create hype around his products, Kanye has undoubtedly left a lasting mark on the fashion world.
So yes, love him or hate him, Kanye West is undoubtedly one of the most influential forces in contemporary fashion, period.
