UPDATED 1/27, 2:05 p.m. ET: A Yeezy Gap spokesperson told Complex Thursday afternoon that the reported event isn’t on Ye’s schedule. The rep also denied the existence of a reported collab collection being in the works.
“Ye has a deep and solution-oriented commitment to addressing issues surrounding homelessness but this reported event is not on our schedule at this time nor are we aware of any product collaboration in development,” the spokesperson said.
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The artist formerly known as Kanye West is reportedly linking up with a Los Angeles-based company for a collab project that will include a capsule collection and a fashion show, both of which are said to benefit homeless people in the area.
A report from TMZ on Thursday cited Skid Row Fashion Week founder and Los Angeles-based creative David Sabastian as having said he met with Ye this month in the city’s Arts District, at which point they came up with the idea behind the reported project. Per the report, “100 percent” of proceeds from the collab would be put toward the assistance of homeless people living on Skid Row.
Meanwhile, a fashion show is allegedly being planned that—at least according to Thursday’s report—would see the hiring of homeless people from the SRFW manufacturing arm as models.
The SRFW manufacturing arm, notably, is said to already provide jobs and job training services “for those experiencing homelessness,” with the larger aim (per the SRFW site) of being a “catalyst for men and women living on the streets to take control of their future in a fulfilling way through gainful employment.”
The purported Ye collab, TMZ adds, may include the repurposing of items often found in the Skid Row area, including a puffer jacket made from a garbage bag.
Ye himself, however, has not made any public remarks about this reported project or otherwise confirmed his involvement. Fans will note that images of what’s billed as a “Yeezy x Skid Row collaboration” have been popping up on Instagram in recent days. The designs prominently feature the Yeezy Gap logo, as well as a reworked version of that same logo in which the “YZY” lettering is swapped for “SKD.”
Worth pointing out is that some fans have also expressed skepticism about the reported project, which has been teased alongside a Feb. 22 launch date—which as of Thursday is also supposed to see the release of West’s Donda 2 album.
Complex has reached out to a rep for Ye for comment and will update this post accordingly. In a statement shared with Complex, a rep for SRFW said the reported show will be “by the people, for the people, to serve the people.” The rep also claimed that the planned runway show will be held at the Los Angeles Mission in the heart of Skid Row.
Of course, Ye has spoken out in the past about assisting those struggling due to a lack of housing. Last November, Ye was reported to have been taking meetings with a number of Los Angeles-based organizations focused on helping alleviate the struggles facing thousands of homeless people in the city.
