Cover Photo: Instagram / @yeezyxgap
Photo: Instagram / @yeezyxgap
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The Yeezy Gap drop is pushing boundaries in the realm of fashion
Yeezy Gap, in collaboration with luxury fashion house Balenciaga, finally had its first-ever in-store drop at Times Square, New York City, hours ago.
Despite having a successful first release in February, the line grew long outside the Gap as patrons inside took their time to experience the concept that Ye's (formerly known as Kanye West) consistently strived to realize for quite some time now.
Photo: Instagram / @yeezyxgap
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The Yeezy Gap Engineered by Balenciaga collection consists of hoodies, tees, parkas, cargo pants, and sweatpants in distinct, oversized silhouettes and darker colour choices. There are also genderless pieces that allow the wearer to explore different styles.
Read more: 5 Unisex Sunnies You Need in Your Closet: Aviator, Windsor And More
Another innovative way to experience the line is through the videogame, which was launched alongside the collection. that can be played at the store and on a smartphone. Users can choose a virtually-rendered avatar by changing their skin tone and dressing them up. Then, users will manoeuvre the flying avatar to collect as many doves as they can.
Having black bags of Yeezy Gap pieces engineered by Balenciaga available to store guests is a feat worth recognising, given Ye's commitment to making elevated basics for all genders much more accessible.
Two years ago, Ye expressed a similar intention in a podcast with Joe Rogan while explaining the creative process of making the famous Foam Runner. "People are overdesigning into industries where they see they can make some money as opposed to stepping back and saying, 'how do we look at the entire earth as an opportunity to free everyone and create happiness for everyone?'" said the artist.
See also: The Future of Fashion: Philippine Brands and Local Designers Focus On Sustainability
Above Photo: Instagram / @yeezyxgap
Above Photo: Instagram / @yeezyxgap
Photo: Instagram / @yeezyxgap
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Ye leapt at the opportunity in 2020 when he signed a 10-year deal with Gap, saving the struggling brand from the pandemic. "I came to Gap to put good [products] directly in stores. We've had two of the biggest sales day in Gap history since I've been there. We sold 14 million dollars worth of the perfect black hoodie at [US$80] a hoodie off of a television commercial that [ran] one time," shares the billionaire on an Instagram post.
See also: Tatler's Pick: The Best of Balenciaga Fall 2022 Collection
The collaboration was bound to happen as the artist has repeatedly expressed his interest in the brand. Apart from working at Gap in his teens, Ye genuinely loved the "fabrics" and "proportions" that Gap pieces could offer but could not afford them.
Now, he's taking the lead in providing even better options at cheaper price points with the help of Balenciaga's creative director Demna Gvasalia, who goes by Demna and shares Ye's interest in utilitarian fashion for all.
Above Photo: Instagram / @yeezyxgap
Photo: Instagram / @yeezyxgap
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"Money isn't real, so that means the world should be eventually free," said the fashion mogul in Rogan's podcast. "So, I'm gonna manifest the world being free."
Although the designer's vision has ruffled a few people's feathers, there is no stopping Ye from turning it into a reality with some help from like-minded designers. Yeezy Gap, engineered by Balenciaga, is only the beginning.
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Christine Andas is a features writer and the style lead of Tatler Philippines. She mostly covers style-related content but enjoys writing about space, sneakers, and her favourite stars. She acquired a master's degree in Creative Writing at the University of Santo Tomas and has written young adult short stories which can be read online.
