Kanye West’s Style Evolution, from Sneakers and Sunglasses to Tuxedos and Yeezy
Few musicians have the versatility of Kanye West. He’s a producer, a rapper, a fashion designer, and an artist. Throughout his career, his style has evolved accordingly. When he first came onto the scene, West was a prepster, favoring pastel pink and tan suits. He then shifted to a slightly more sporty, retro vibe, wearing silk bomber jackets, aviator sunglasses, and sneakers. But circa 2010, West discovered the joys of a classic tux, and in 2012 began dating his now wife Kim Kardashian. Since then, West has gone full fashion, donning his own Yeezy collection, monochromatic ensembles, and self-designed footwear. In honor of his 40th birthday, take a look back at this transformation through the years.
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The rapper wore a pink argyle sweater and gold jewelry at the 2004 European Music Awards.
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In 2004, Kanye West attended the Billboard Music Awards wearing a patterned sweater, red bomber jacket, and aviator sunglasses.
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Kanye West continued his love of prep in 2004, wearing a light brown suit over a pink sweater.
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In 2006, West looked cool and casual at the 2006 MTV European Music Awards in a grey zip up and grey sneakers.
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In 2007, West channeled nerd chic on the red carpet, wearing a bomber jacket and crew neck sweater to the In Touch 5th Anniversary Party.
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At the Los Angeles premiere of “Smokin’ Aces” in 2007, the rapper once again hit the red carpet wearing sunglasses.
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Kanye West has never been afraid to experiment with his style. At the 2008 American Music Award, the rapper went retro in a bright bomber jacket, printed hat, and jeans.
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In 2008, Kanye West attended the ‘Pineapple Express’ premiere in Los Angeles sporting a bright blue jacket and his go-tos: sneakers and shades.
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At the amfAR’s Inaugural Milan Fashion Week event in 2009, West wore a sleek, all black ensemble, which coordinated with his then girlfriend Amber Rose.
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At the 14th Annual ACE Awards in 2010, West traded in his sneakers for a classic tux.
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In 2011, Kanye West posed with Carine Roitfeld at amfAR’s Cinema Against AIDS Gala during the 64th Annual Cannes Film Festival in a sharp tuxedo.
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Kanye West looked classic in camel-colored coach at the Maison Martin Margiela with H&M global launch event in New York City in 2012.
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At the 2013 Met Gala, Kanye West looked classic, while Kim Kardashian, then pregnant with North West, wore a loud, Givenchy look.
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In 2014, Kim Kardashian and Kanye West both took a more elegant route, wearing coordinating Lanvin.
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Kanye mastered casual formalwear at the LACMA Art + Film Gala, wearing a white shirt, jacket, and leather pants.
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In 2015, Kanye West ditched the tuxedo for a casual grey sweatsuit and his own Yeezy sneakers at the MTV Video Music Awards.
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Kanye West dressed down for a casual outing with his very fashionable daugther North West in 2015.
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In 2016, Kanye West wore an all-white ensemble to the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards in New York City.
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At the 2016 Met Gala, Kim and Kanye took the futuristic theme seriously in custom, coordinating Balmain ensembles.
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In 2016, Kanye and Kim attended the Balmain afterparty at Paris Fashion Week. For the occasion, West wore a patchwork jacket and Kardashian donned a shimmering Balmain dress.
