5 Projects We'd Like To See From Kanye West's DONDA

Image via Complex Original

A few nights ago Kanye West's latest venture was born via twitter. The star announced the formation of DONDA, a creative agency named after his late mother, Donda West. 

West claims the firm will bring together "amazing thinkers" and allow their dreams to become reality. 

These are our dreams. The projects we hope to see from DONDA and ideas of who we'd like Mr. West to work with on each. He says there will be 22 divisions, but here’s 5 Projects We'd Like To See From Kanye West's DONDA.

Furniture

Soon after jumping on twitter, Mr. West asked his followers, "what's your credenza game?" His stated intention shattered illusions that West was going to talk typical rapper stuff, and revealed a real interest in home decor. With DONDA, West would do well to link with NYC's Rich, Brilliant, Willing. The trio is highly decorated, having been awarded "Best New Designer" editors award at the 2011 International Contemporary Furniture Fair, and follow West's interest in product "driven equally by emotional want and utilitarian need," like the Russian Doll Coffee Table above.

Publishing

Much like Monocle's Tyler Brulé, Kanye knows how to capture the zeitgeist. And, given that DONDA proposes to mix disciplines, it makes sense to combine all the creative thinking into a bi-monthly magazine and the occasional book. West has already tasted publishing success, releasing Kanye West Glow in the Dark through Rizzoli in 2009. We'd like him to give Monocle a run for its money. 

Hotels

Hotels are a natural venture for DONDA. Given a hectic travel schedule, Kanye clearly knows a good amount about them. But, more importantly, the required mix of disciplines is a good test for DONDA's proposed mix of creative endeavor. Toss in a top flight chef, cocktail wizard, and a Kanye will quickly dispose Ian Schrager, whose agency was responsible for buildings like the Gramercy Park Hotel, as king of boutique lodging. 

Jewelry 

DONDA can't be all function and subtlety. That would be out of keeping for Kanye. This is a guy, after all, who happily mixes diamond grills with designer suits. In 2008, Kanye worked with Takashi Murakami on the album art for Graduation… and, more impressively, a contemporary art version of hip-hop's favored Jesus pendant. Who wouldn't like to see what Kanye and a cast of blue chip contemporary artists take on jewelry? Imagine a Kanye x Jeff Koons bracelet or a Kanye x Damien Hirst four finger ring. Hard not to get a little excited.

Educational Apps 

Part of Kanye's most recent Twitter rant touched on education. He seems high on the application of mobile technology, noting that students should be allowed to access Google from their phones. DONDA should encourage Kanye's desire to revolutionize schooling by creating apps that enrich as much as they entertain. Yesterday, the Tate Modern brought to life "A Race Against Time," the art history answer to "Oregon Trail." Its fun, but not quite the shot in the arm the art world needs in order to capture the kids. If DONDA will "simplify and aesthetically improve everything we hear, touch, taste and feel," let some of that activity be geared to education.