Today, Kanye West turns 34. A year ago the artist dropped out of site for a while. He spent some time in Hawaii recording new material, and when he reemerged from his hiatus, he began a new era as one of hip-hop's greatest influencers with both his music and his style. In this past year, Kanye has turned the game inside out—My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy was a return to form for 'Ye the rapper, and his fearless style made West a fashion icon. From his huge "Power" chain, to the tailored suits, Rick Owens leathers and custom snapbacks, Yeezy has done nothing but kill over the past year. So we'd like to show love to the Chicago-bred MC, and salute his born day with a look back at Kanye's Year In Style.
1
WHEN: June 8, 2010
WHERE: Third annual “Stay in School” concert
COMPLEX SAYS: What better way to spend your birthday, than promoting a good cause. West held his annual "Stay In School" concert in Chicago, rocking Super sunglasses, a Rick Owens leather biker jacket, and Dolce & Gabbana Super Destroyed jeans.
2
WHEN: June 27, 2010
WHERE: BET Awards 2010
COMPLEX SAYS: 'Ye went in for his first performance since the Swift incident. The $300,000 Horus necklace was exactly what we needed to know that he was officially back from his hiatus.
3
WHEN: July 2010
WHERE: via Twitter
COMPLEX SAYS: When he got on Twitter, updates in the form of Twitpics from his insanely awesome wardrobe came flooding in. This one? Dries von Noten.
4
WHEN: August 18, 2010
WHERE: Airport
COMPLEX SAYS: Kanye's "Rosewood Movement" is one of the main reasons for the increase in dudes rocking cleaned up, sophisticated looks, like simple, slim suits and oxfords.
5
WHEN: August 2010
WHERE: via Twitter
COMPLEX SAYS: Kanye's not afraid of leather shorts in the middle of August, especially not if they're Philip Lim.
6
WHEN: September 7, 2010
WHERE: New York
COMPLEX SAYS: After weeks of keeping it fairly buttoned-up, Kanye finally relaxed it—only a bit though—with the casual Tretorn x Comme des Garcons collaboration sneakers.
7
WHEN: September 2010
WHERE: Phillip Lim 3.1 Men's Presentation
COMPLEX SAYS: More suit swag, courtesy of Philip Lim. Looks like this became part of Kanye's signature style this year.
9
WHEN: September 2010
WHERE: New York
COMPLEX SAYS: Pharrell isn't the only dude that can pull off the Hermes Birkin. And Aziz isn't the only dude that can pull off the Band of Outsiders dinner jacket. Well played, 'Ye.
10
WHEN: October 2010
WHERE: 14th Annual ACE Awards
COMPLEX SAYS: Since inking a deal with Stubbs & Wootton in 2010, Kanye has been rocking the custom loafers on the regular.
8
WHEN: Thanksgiving 2010
WHERE: Macy's Parade
COMPLEX SAYS: This leather and fur mash-up was a little more rock 'n roll than hip-hop. Still fresh, though.
11
WHEN: New Years Eve 2010
WHERE: Cosmopolitan hotel, Las Vegas
COMPLEX SAYS: Finally! The 'Ye we all remember, rocking the Jordan Cement 3s.
12
WHEN: Coachella 2011
WHERE: Indio, California
COMPLEX SAYS: You either loved it or hated it, but 'Ye had all eyes on him at Coachella this year as he rocked a shirt from French luxury womenswear brand, Celine's Spring/Summer 2011 collection.
13
WHEN: May 2, 2011
WHERE: Met Costume Institute Gala
COMPLEX SAYS: Kanye went as Tory Burch's date to the Met Gala and rocked a one-of-one custom suit by the designer. Whether or not Burch will launch a menswear line is yet to be seen.
14
WHEN: May 13, 2011
WHERE: Red Granite party at Carlton Beach
COMPLEX SAYS: All white everything. Do you think Kanye gives a f*ck if it's not Memorial Day yet?
15
WHEN: June 6, 2011
WHERE: 2011 CFDA Fashion Awards
COMPLEX SAYS: Just days ago, 'Ye presented at the big fashion award show donning a clean white dinner coat and a custom Bull's snapback, proving once again that when it comes to style, 'Ye can't be touched. Happy Birthday!
