• Kanye Wearing Balmain Jeans and Air Yeezys

Not only has it been quite a while since Kanye West has been in the spotlight, but it’s also been several months since he’s been seen wearing his collaboration shoes with Nike, the Air Yeezy. In previous months, many of the shoes Kanye’s been wearing had subtle silhouettes and colorways, all from high-end designer brands. To see him wearing the Air Yeezys this past week, and the first ones at that, is very appropriate considering all the recognition the shoe is receiving as being one of the top sneakers of 2009. In addition to the Air Yeezy shoes, Kanye’s also wearing black Balmain jeans.

Source: KanyeWest.us

• Matt Halfhill’s Top 10 Sneakers of 2009

Matt Halfill, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of the online magazine NiceKicks.com, has come together with Complex to create a list that showcases the top sneakers from this past year. Matt Halfhill’s Top 10 Sneakers of 2009 features highly-sought after shoes such as the Nike 1/2 Cent “Royal”, Air Jordan 11 Space Jam, and the Nike Air Foamposite “Eggplant”. It’s definitely a true sneaker head’s list that includes sneakers geared for various sports and lifestyles. However, despite all the great shoe releases from ‘09, Kanye West’s blank/pink Nike Air Yeezy beat out the rest and was able to claim the #1 spot on Halfhill’s list. With reputable outlets and figures, like BusinessWeek and Halfhill, recognizing the collaboration shoe between Kanye and Nike is a reinforcement to the significance the Air Yeezy had on sneaker culture and fashion in 2009.

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• The 25 Coolest Sneaker Designs of 2009

With the year coming to a close, it’s always good to reflect back on the significant moments that shook 2009. In the sneaker culture, Kanye West made history by releasing his Nike Air Yeezy and Louis Vuitton shoes, both of which are featured on BusinessWeek’s The 25 Coolest Sneaker Designs of 2009. The Nike Air Yeezy marked the first time Nike has ever worked with a non-athlete to design a sneaker. What’s more, its 3 colorway releases will be remembered for their astronomical resell value on Ebay and the multiple-day campouts from several sneaker heads all over the world. With the Louis Vuitton collaboration shoes, although not as hyped as the Air Yeezy, proved Kanye’s versatility in fashion. To work alongside one of the most iconic fashion labels the world has ever known reinforced Kanye’s global image as a fashion connoisseur.  These two highly-anticipated shoe collaborations definitely exceeded all the expectations and are more than just merely sneakers, but a piece of fashion history.

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• Ibn Jasper Skates Black/Pink Air Yeezy

Even though the Nike Air Yeezy is technically a basketball shoe (or at least a shoe with a significant amount of basketball influence and construction), it’s apparently also a great shoe to skate in. Levi Maestro first skated in the black/pink Yeezys on episode 6 of Maestro Knows, weaving through the Los Angeles streets. Here’s a video of Kanye West’s barber and style consultant, Ibn Jasper, skating in the black/pink Air Yeezy shoes on the set of Kid Cudi’s Make Her Say music video shoot.

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• Nike Air Yeezy Process

Keeping up with all their behind the scenes features of the making of the Nike Air Yeezy, Sole Collector reveals the process that went on between Nike, specifically Mark Smith and Tiffany Beers, and Kanye West to create one of the most sought-after shoes in the history of sneaker culture. Regarding how they went about the Air Yeezy project, Beers said,

It’s all part of the process in the IK (Innovation Kitchen). We didn’t do the formal meetings or presentations; we didn’t have time. We just cranked things out, interruptions and all. As few folks do, Kanye got to see firsthand a couple days in the life of the Innovation Kitchen. It’s busy; it’s scattered; it’s crazy, and it’s a ton of fun, while still making a bunch of cool stuff.”

After 2 years, multiple revisions and samples, and brainstorming sessions with Kanye, the Nike Air Yeezy evolved in front of their very own eyes. It’s always interesting to discover the labor of love that goes into any project. To truly understand the motives and inspirations behind the creation of the Air Yeezy, it’s important to educate yourself with the behind the scenes aspect. I am fortunate enough to own 2 out of the 3 Yeezys, and being aware of its history and background surely makes me appreciate the pair of shoes even more.

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• Air Yeezy Upper Design Process

Back in March, prior to all the Nike Air Yeezy hysteria and official release dates, Complex had an Air Yeezy gallery which included photos that revealed the evolution of the Air Yeezy sneaker. The photos revealed the original sketches and initial plans that Kanye West and the Nike team had put together throughout the planning stages of the collaboration. Now, as the 3 releases have long passed, Sole Collector shares with the public (never before seen) behind-the-scenes photos of the making of the Air Yeezy upper. Aside from its glow in the dark sole, the Air Yeezy’s upper is definitely a “neck breaker” and something to marvel at. Inspired by the McFly sneaker/silhouette, Kanye envisioned his shoe to have a retro appeal with a luxury twist.

Visit Sole Collector for the entire story behind the Air Yeezy upper

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