Rapper YE (Kanye West) recently released his latest album “DONDA 2”, with the focus continuing on the performance at the album release party and the collaborators on the new album. However, let’s not overlook the fact that, at the same time as the new album release, YE and the creative director of the “DONDA” series – current Balenciaga creative director Demna – were also working on another project. On the night of the album release, YEEZY Gap Engineered by BALENCIAGA also officially released its first collection.
There were no teasers beforehand, and YE only announced the release of the new album on the day of the launch. The collaborative series went on sale on Farfetch at 10 p.m. Hong Kong time that day. Going back to the beginning of this year, when YE and Demna announced their collaboration to create YEEZY Gap Engineered by BALENCIAGA, the first release (or phase) was actually expected to be in June. However, it ended up surprising everyone by launching a series of clothing more than three months ahead of schedule.
The YEEZY Gap Engineered by BALENCIAGA clothing collection, created in collaboration with Demna and YE, has recently unveiled its first wave of clothing, including tops, hoodies, and pants, with a total of eight styles to choose from. The collection also offers a range of color options, such as plum, navy blue, gray, khaki, and beige. As usual with YEEZY GAP, the launch on Tuesday was sold out within seconds.
However, the release is not yet complete. On the day after the first wave of items were released, BALENCIAGA and GAP’s official websites uploaded an entire styling lookbook, following Kanye West’s previous masked style. Models showcased 24 looks from YEEZY GAP Engineered by Balenciaga. Additionally, it featured several items that were not included in the initial release, such as leather pants, jumpsuits, long coats, backpacks, etc., but it is unknown whether these items will be gradually released for sale at a later time.
Although there is a certain connection with YEEZY Gap, YE accepted the interview and indicated that the new project will be different, describing the collaboration as “making incredible products accessible to everyone at all times.” Demna, who has become a close partner of YE in recent years, also shared his personal feelings, saying: “I know very few people, especially talents like YE, who truly understand my work. He pushes me out of my comfort zone to become a better designer. When we collaborate, there is no ego, only a shared drive for progress and to do great and innovative things.”
How many products will YEEZY Gap Engineered by BALENCIAGA ultimately bring? Besides clothing, will the two creators and two major brands bring the next collaboration? Everyone is watching!
資料及圖片來源：YEEZY GAP、Balenciaga@IG、GAP@IG
