This week Kanye West shared his innovative -if not entirely well received- take on a new art medium: fashion design.  This past Saturday, during Paris Fashion Week, Kanye unveiled his KW by Kanye West Ready to Wear Spring/Summer 2012 line at the futuristically revamped LycĂ©e Henri IV library to a celebrity and couture designer studded audience including the Olsen twins, Anna Wintour, Jared Leto, Alexander Wang and Ciara. After conquering the music world, Kanye approached his new artist enterprise with a more subdued demeanor than the public is usually privy to, telling a New York Times reporter that “I’m so distracted. I was so scared.”Â
The show went off without a hitch, and many guests felt that the presentation was cohesive and well-done; the books were hidden behind white screens and infra-red lighting was set up throughout the space.  The general feeling about the collection itself however, was a different story. Although Ciara told The Associated Press that she  “walked away from this show feeling like I would love to wear this line.
 There is so much in it that’s right up my alley…he did a great job,” many others felt the looks were too overwrought; the very trademark of an entertainer turned-fashion-designer. Lisa Armstrong, the fashion editor of The Daily Telegraph had several questions about Kanye’s taste, including “does the world really need another slashed bandage dress that requires a woman to go commando?” and  “Why so much fur in a spring collection?” These sentiments that were voiced by many other critiques as look after look dripping with zippers, sequins, fur and a general excess of embellishment, came down the runway.
[pagebreak]
Of course, there were also people who felt that Kanye had broken through the artist/designer barrier well, leaving behind him the failed collections of actors and musicians such as Jennifer Lopez and Lindsey Lohan. American designer Jeremy Scott praised the collection and Kanye’s ability to develop a cohesive idea, telling reporters that “Kante has impeccable taste and you see his taste level is up there. He’s a fan of design across the board.”
Then there is the question of Kanye’s level of involvement with the design. While some viewers felt the garments all fit the models poorly (one model told reporters that she had only received a day’s notice before being flown out to Paris to walk), there is little question as to whether or not that is due to ill timing or the hip hop star’s skill with a needle and thread. Although Kanye has been seen buying materials (including all those zippers) in London, the actual crafting of the collection has been linked to several people, including British designer Louise Goldin and Birgitta Hosea, who has vehemently denied her involvement. Â
What do you think collegiettes™? Would you wear any of his designs, or are leather layers not your thing for Spring? Check out more images from his Spring/Summer 2012 Ready to Wear Collection here and leave us a comment below!