Quality assurance. Kanye West’s much-talked about NYFW heels, which garnered much criticism following his Yeezy Season 4 fashion show on Wednesday, September 7, won’t break when they hit stores, a rep for West told Women’s Wear Daily.
“As is the case with many fashion shows, the designs presented on the runway are oftentimes still in the sample, prototype stage,” the spokesperson said. “We take quality control very seriously and will ensure that these models undergo further, rigorous trials before reaching the consumer.”
On Wednesday, West’s presentation came under fire after at least two models struggled to strut their stuff down the outdoor catwalks set up at Roosevelt Island, due in large part to their faulty footwear. (WWD went so far as to call the collection “predictable,” and the rapper’s relationship with the fashion industry press “abusive.”)
One model, clad in a black hooded jacket and thigh-high boots, wobbled on her feet after one of her heels broke; Bergdorf Goodman men’s fashion director Bruce Pask came to her rescue by escorting her off the runway.
Model Amina Blue — who starred in Tyga’s “1 of 1” music video — also struggled with her walk, eventually giving up and taking off her heels. She later re-emerged in a pair of Yeezy sandals.
Adidas, which in June announced that it was working with West, 39, on a new production of footwear, apparel and accessories, told WWD that it didn’t have anything to do with those problematic styles.
“These particular boots are actually not a part of the Adidas collaboration,” a brand spokesperson told WWD in a statement.
The rapper himself seemed to acknowledge that his show was received less than positively, and on Friday, September 9, he took to Twitter to peripherally address the critics.
“It’s our life’s mission to create the most transformative experiences,” he wrote. “Each and every one’s time, insight and feelings are invaluable to us. We want to make people feel great. Thank you for embarking on this creative journey. With love and respect, Kanye West.”
