In July, Kanye West announced that Yeezy GAP, a collaboration between his brand and that of the famous retail brand, will be available for the first time ever in stores. The news sent the fashion world buzzing but together with the good news, the Donda star is also receiving backlash from many people.
Earlier this week, a Twitter user shared online a picture within a store showing the rapper’s merch placed in large black bags. The picture went viral and garnered several negative comments from why the clothes weren’t in hangers to how they’re extremely overpriced.
Now, the artist has finally spoken up about the issue. He told Fox News on August 18, “I’m an innovator. “And I’m not here to sit up and apologize about my ideas.” So how about the backlash he’s been receiving lately? According to him, “That’s exactly what the media tries to do. Make us apologize for any idea that doesn’t fall under exactly the way they want us to think.”
He also mentioned that people shouldn’t “clown creators or innovators” because aspiring creatives will feel “less brave.”
And what about those large bags holding the clothes? He clarified that they’re “large construction” bags which were designed for shoppers to “informally reach in and help themselves.”
He also added that his ultimate goa was to make life “easier.” As the artist pointed out, “This is not a joke. This is not a game. This is not just some celebrity collaboration. This is my life. I’m fighting for a position to be able to change clothing and bring the best design to the people.”
The 45-year-old artist also addressed the accusations that he’s making light of those who may be less fortunate. He has said before that he gets inspiration from the homeless. He explained, “I’m up here literally working on homeless shelters. There’s documentation of it, where the city came and tore down my creations while I was doing it. So, no one can tell me I’m insensitive when that stuff that I think about every single day and actually have put my mind and innovation to.”
