Kanye West has returned to the fashion spotlight with his first major runway presentation in four years, but the celebrity guest list has attracted almost as much attention as the clothes themselves. The 49-year-old rapper and designer, now known as Ye, presented Yeezy Season 01 in Los Angeles on Wednesday, 4 November. The event marked a significant return following years of controversy surrounding his antisemitic statements and the breakdown of several major fashion partnerships.
Kid Cudi, Big Sean, 2 Chainz and designer Jerry Lorenzo were among those attending, highlighting West's continued connections within music and fashion despite the reputational challenges surrounding his brand.
Kanye West's Yeezy Comeback Draws Familiar Celebrity Faces
The presentation took place in Los Angeles, coinciding with the opening of Yeezy's first flagship store. Instead of walking down a traditional runway, models circled a large white structure while unreleased tracks by West played during the presentation, which lasted less than 20 minutes. The collection featured military-inspired jackets, leather outerwear, oversized silhouettes, fitted bodysuits and prominent boots, revisiting elements of Yeezy's established utilitarian aesthetic. However, the celebrity audience was equally notable.
Alongside Kid Cudi, Big Sean and 2 Chainz, attendees included A$AP Nast, Natalie Nunn, the Clermont twins and Jerry Lorenzo. West's wife, Bianca Censori, was also present, alongside his four children with former wife Kim Kardashian: North, Saint, Chicago and Psalm. Censori opened the show with a recorded prayer asking for spiritual guidance and protection.
Why Kanye West's Fashion Return Remains Controversial
West's previous major Yeezy runway presentation took place in Paris in October 2022, although a smaller Yeezy Season 10 presentation followed in 2023. The Paris show attracted criticism after West and several models appeared wearing shirts bearing the slogan 'White Lives Matter'. Later that month, Adidas terminated its partnership with the designer following a series of antisemitic statements. The decision followed a wider breakdown in West's fashion relationships. Gap had already moved to end its Yeezy partnership in September 2022, while Balenciaga also severed ties during the period of controversy.
West subsequently faced further criticism over antisemitic remarks and the sale of a T-shirt featuring a swastika through his website in 2025. On 26 January 2026, he published a full-page paid advertisement in The Wall Street Journal, apologised for his previous statements, and disavowed antisemitism. In the statement, West attributed aspects of his past behaviour to his mental health struggles and a brain injury he said had gone undiagnosed for years. He also acknowledged that those circumstances did not excuse his actions.
Does Celebrity Attendance Signal a New Chapter for Yeezy?
The appearance of established musicians and fashion figures at Yeezy Season 01 highlights the complicated relationship between celebrity connections, creative influence and public reputation. Kid Cudi and Big Sean have previously collaborated with West, while Jerry Lorenzo founded the Fear of God label.
The Los Angeles flagship opening gives the brand a physical retail location as it continues operating without its former Adidas partnership. Whether that attention develops into a lasting fashion comeback remains uncertain, particularly as West's previous statements and their consequences continue to shape his public reputation.
