Kanye West surprises Paris fashion week with Balenciaga catwalk debut

Kanye West made his first ever catwalk appearance this weekend, surprising the audience at Paris fashion week as he walked for Balenciaga. Dressed in a black hoodie pulled over a baseball cap, the musician almost went unrecognised as his appearance was not confirmed or acknowledged until afterwards.

West shared a photo of his runway debut with the caption 'WAR'.

 

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A post shared by Ye (@kanyewest)

He later shared a photo of a closeup of his face, revealing a Balenciaga mouthguard and mysterious marks on his face.

 

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A post shared by Ye (@kanyewest)

The theme of Balenciaga's showcase this year was dystopian and war-torn. The catwalk was muddy and dark, contrasting the typical clean perfection of many fashion brands. Balenciaga has made a statement by leaving their decisions unexplained.

Demna, Balenciaga's creative director, stated, "I have decided to no longer explain my collections and verbalise my designs, but to express a state of mind. Fashion is a visual art, and all we need is for it to be seen through someone's eyes. Fashion in its best case scenario should not need a story to be sold to someone. You either like it or not."

Although the catwalk was war themed, with West and other models dressed in military inspired outfits, Demna continued, "The set of this show is a metaphor for digging for truth and being down to earth. Let us let everyone be anyone and make love not war.”

West's daughter North sat front row with her aunts Khloe Kardashian and Kylie Jenner to watch her father's debut. His own brand Yeezy has collaborated with Balenciaga before along with GAP. Now, West has severed ties with other brands and revealed his plans to go solo in the fashion industry. Rumours are swirling of a Yeezy brand catwalk at Paris fashion week, although no announcement has been made yet.

See below for a video Demna shared of West's walk down the muddy runway:

 

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A post shared by Balenciaga by Demna (@demnagram)