Kanye West has officially hit the runway as a model during Paris fashion week for Balenciaga.
West, 45, opened Balenciaga’s spring/summer 2023 show during Paris fashion week over the weekend, modeling an all-black, combat-ready look featuring a baseball cap and heavy-duty utility vest both emblazoned with the word “Security.”
The runway, which was staged outdoors at the city’s Parc des Expositions, was made of what looked to be an ankle-deep expanse of mud.
West’s four kids, North, 9, Saint, 6, Chicago, 4, and Psalm, 3, whom he shares with ex Kim Kardashian were reportedly in attendance to cheer him on, along with Kylie Jenner.
Other celebs in the crowd to enjoy West’s debut included Doja Cat and “Euphoria” star Alexa Demie.
Later in Balenciaga’s show, Bella Hadid and other models emerged in makeup that made them look bruised and beaten. The dramatic look came shortly after Hadid’s headline-making escapade closing the Coperni show, dressed in little more than a spray-painted design that had been applied in real-time in front of attendees.
Balenciaga’s creative director, Demna Gvasalia, prefaced the collection with the idea of personal identity being a “battlefield.”
“One needs to have courage and persistence to truly assume their identity and who they really are,” read part of his statement. “And the more you try to be yourself the more you get punched in your face … The challenge is to get up and keep walking towards your true self after you have been beaten up and knocked down.”
Among those who reacted to Ye’s first runway modeling gig was legendary designer Betsey Johnson.
“I felt a little bit emotional when you walked,” she wrote. “It felt really special.”
West replied, “After all the battles Even this year Pretty amazing I’m emotional too.”
“We have more battles ahead of us,” he added. “But we’re going to win God is on our side.”
He’s a good guy.