After much anticipation, Kanye West and Demna Gvasalia have officially released Yeezy Gap Engineered By Balenciaga. Recall that the artist signaled the impending launch of this “creative exploration” with Balenciaga creative director Demna by sharing the legal documents excerpt to Instagram in January. The collection is in line with the only two Gap pieces Kanye has released so far, the hugely successful bulbous, waxy Round Jacket and cropped Perfect Hoodie.
A press release that month provided greater context on the project, noting that Yeezy Gap Engineered by Balenciaga pieces would be made available worldwide this year alongside the continuation of the Yeezy Gap rollout. Ahead of Wednesday’s unveiling, photos of the highly-talked-about pieces started making the rounds on social media.
Meanwhile, a countdown clock on the Yeezy Gap site was reset to add an additional hour early that morning, just as some fans were expecting a reveal, only to be reset again later the same day. Amid “Donda 2” event festivities in Miami, fans were given an even closer look at what to expect.
According to a press release, the first eight styles — including a denim jacket and pant, as well as t-shirt and a hoodie — have been designed to pay tribute to Gap’s “timeless American icons” while also continuing Ye’s larger approach of presenting all of his artistic endeavors in a uniquely complementary fashion.
The first rollout of Yeezy Gap Engineered by Balenciaga pieces became available on Wednesday, February 23 via Yeezy Gap and Farfetch. In terms of prices, the pieces go for: $240 for the Dove Hoodie, $140 for the Dove ¾ Sleeve Tee, $140 for the Dove Longsleeve Tee, $140 for the Dove No Seam Tee, $180 for the Fitted Sweatpants, $440 for the Padded Denim Jacket, and $220 for the 5 Pocket Denim Pants.
Ye signed a 10-year deal with Gap June 2020, and his tenure has already had its ups and downs. As recently as last month, there were reports of frustration amid Gap executives that a full collection hadn’t rolled out yet. Now it’s here with one of the world’s hottest designers on board.
For more, head to the Yeezy Gap site.
Featured photo: gap | Instagram
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