• Kanye’s Fashion Influence in the Decade

In keeping up with their top 100 lists, Complex has put together a list of style trends that ruled the decade. The Top 100 Style Trends of the 2000s showcases fashion trends that shook pop culture and influenced the masses. Now, I haven’t actually had the chance to look through the entire list, but there are definitely trends on the list that Kanye West either spearheaded or was at least notorious for.

(more…)

• Turn Back Thursday: Polo Bear Sweater

For this week’s Turn Back Thursday, we go back to 2003/2004 when Kanye West was merely known as a college dropout who had an interest for bears. From the bear head artwork to the mascot that Kanye would bring out during shows, the Dropout Bear, as it was officially referred to, became  imagery that would forever be linked to Kanye. Here is a photo that was used to promote the album “The College Dropout”, where Kanye is wearing the Dropout Bear costume with a complementary red Ralph Lauren Polo Bear sweater. This specific Polo Bear sweater is a vintage piece that is no longer sold by Ralph Lauren, but can be found, on rare occasions, at  thrift stores and even on Ebay.

• Turn Back Thursday: Kanye and A-Trak

In 2004, Kanye West released The College Dropout, which did a very effective job of bridging the gap between mainstream rappers and backpackers. Not only did he revolutionize the radio with his soul samples and conscious rap style, but he changed the rap uniform forever. Kanye spearheaded a movement that made it cool to wear Ralph Lauren and collared shirts when everyone else in the rap community was wearing a jersey and oversized shirts. Here’s a photo of A-Trak and Kanye from 2004, when Kanye ‘s outfit usually consisted of bright colors, a popped collar, and Polo.

Source: A-Trak

• Pastelle (Past Tell) Updates

In a recent interview with the Irish Times, Kanye West stated, “It (Pastelle) will be a mix of Marc Jacobs, Polo and American Apparel.”

Click here to read the full article (scroll 3/4 down to read the section about his clothing line).

Kanye West in Japan selecting fabric for Pastelle (Past Tell) clothing.

Source: Irish Times