Kanye West's Iconic 2017 Style: A Deep Dive

Let's dive into the groundbreaking and unforgettable style evolution of Kanye West in 2017. This year was a rollercoaster for Yeezy's fashion choices, marked by a blend of high-end designer pieces, comfortable streetwear, and a distinctive minimalist aesthetic. Kanye's 2017 style wasn't just about clothing; it was a cultural statement, a reflection of his mindset, and a preview of the trends to come. Understanding this period helps to appreciate his influence on contemporary fashion and how he continues to push boundaries. From his performance outfits to his casual street style, every appearance was a carefully curated moment that sparked conversations and set trends. We’ll explore the key elements, specific outfits, and lasting impact of Kanye's 2017 fashion journey.

Key Elements of Kanye's 2017 Style

In 2017, Kanye's style pivoted significantly, incorporating several key elements that defined his unique look. One of the main components was the emphasis on earthy tones. You'd often see him rocking outfits in shades of beige, brown, olive green, and gray. This palette gave his ensembles a muted, almost utilitarian feel, steering away from the flashy, attention-grabbing colors that were popular at the time. These earth tones weren't just a random choice; they reflected Kanye's interest in minimalist design and a more grounded aesthetic. Think of it as a move towards simplicity, where the focus was on the silhouette and texture of the garments rather than vibrant hues. This color scheme permeated everything from his Yeezy collections to his personal wardrobe, setting a trend that many others soon followed. Another crucial aspect of Kanye’s 2017 style was the focus on oversized silhouettes. Whether it was a huge bomber jacket, a baggy hoodie, or wide-legged trousers, Kanye embraced the oversized look. This wasn't just about comfort; it was a deliberate choice to challenge conventional ideas of fit and proportion. By exaggerating the size of his clothing, he created a sense of drama and visual interest. This trend resonated with the broader streetwear movement, where comfort and individuality were prioritized over tailored perfection. The oversized look allowed for greater freedom of movement and a more relaxed vibe, perfectly aligning with Kanye's evolving aesthetic.

Military-inspired pieces were also a recurring theme in Kanye’s 2017 wardrobe. Think bomber jackets, combat boots, and utilitarian vests. These pieces added a rugged, almost dystopian edge to his outfits. This influence may have stemmed from his fascination with military functionality and the idea of clothing as armor. These garments often came in muted colors, further enhancing the utilitarian aesthetic. The combination of military elements with high-fashion pieces created a unique juxtaposition that was both stylish and thought-provoking. This wasn't just about wearing military-style clothing; it was about incorporating the functionality and durability of those garments into a high-fashion context. The final defining element was the prominent use of Adidas Yeezy footwear. Kanye's collaboration with Adidas was a cornerstone of his style, and in 2017, the Yeezy line was at its peak. The Yeezy Boost 350 V2, the Yeezy Powerphase Calabasas, and the Yeezy Wave Runner 700 were all staples in his rotation. These sneakers weren't just footwear; they were statement pieces that completed his outfits. The combination of innovative design, premium materials, and limited availability made them highly coveted items. Kanye often paired his Yeezys with earth-toned clothing and oversized silhouettes, creating a cohesive and recognizable look. The Adidas Yeezy line played a crucial role in shaping Kanye's 2017 style and solidifying his influence in the sneaker world.

Iconic Outfits and Moments

Kanye's 2017 style was punctuated by several iconic outfits and moments that captured the essence of his evolving fashion sense. One of the most memorable was his appearance at the 2017 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs). He stepped onto the red carpet in a simple yet striking ensemble: a red tracksuit paired with his signature Adidas Yeezy sneakers. This wasn't just any tracksuit; it was a bold statement that highlighted his preference for comfortable, streetwear-inspired clothing. The simplicity of the outfit was a stark contrast to the elaborate gowns and suits typically seen at the VMAs, underscoring Kanye's commitment to breaking fashion norms. The red color added a pop of vibrancy to his otherwise muted palette, ensuring that he stood out from the crowd. This moment perfectly encapsulated Kanye's ability to make a statement without resorting to flashy or extravagant pieces. Another significant moment was his series of appearances during New York Fashion Week (NYFW). Kanye was often seen sporting oversized hoodies, bomber jackets, and wide-legged trousers in earthy tones. One particular outfit that caught attention was a layered ensemble consisting of a beige hoodie, an olive green bomber jacket, and gray sweatpants, all paired with Yeezy Wave Runner 700s. This look perfectly embodied his minimalist aesthetic and his love for comfortable, oversized silhouettes. His NYFW appearances were closely watched by fashion enthusiasts and critics alike, solidifying his status as a trendsetter and a key influencer in the fashion industry.

Beyond formal events, Kanye's street style also provided plenty of iconic moments. Paparazzi photos often captured him wearing various combinations of Yeezy apparel, military-inspired jackets, and workwear-style pants. He frequently paired these outfits with his go-to Adidas Yeezy sneakers, creating a consistent and recognizable look. Whether he was grabbing coffee, attending a meeting, or simply strolling through the city, Kanye's street style was always on point. These candid shots offered a glimpse into his personal style and showcased his ability to effortlessly blend high-fashion pieces with everyday wear. One standout street style moment was when he was photographed wearing a vintage military jacket with ripped jeans and Yeezy Boost 350 V2s. This outfit perfectly balanced ruggedness with contemporary style, demonstrating his knack for creating unique and unexpected combinations. Another memorable outfit was when he sported a Carhartt work jacket with tailored trousers and Yeezy Powerphase Calabasas sneakers. This look highlighted his ability to elevate workwear staples into high-fashion pieces, further solidifying his influence in the fashion world. These iconic outfits and moments from 2017 underscore Kanye's impact on fashion and his ability to create trends that resonate with a global audience. His unique blend of comfort, minimalism, and high-fashion sensibility continues to inspire and influence designers and fashion enthusiasts alike.

The Lasting Impact on Fashion

Kanye West's 2017 style had a profound and lasting impact on the fashion industry, influencing trends and inspiring designers worldwide. One of the most significant contributions was the popularization of earthy tones. Before 2017, earthy tones were often overlooked in favor of brighter, more vibrant colors. However, Kanye's consistent use of beige, brown, olive green, and gray brought these colors to the forefront of fashion. Designers began incorporating earthy tones into their collections, and consumers started embracing these muted hues in their personal wardrobes. This shift towards earthy tones created a more understated and sophisticated aesthetic, moving away from the flashy and attention-grabbing styles that had dominated the fashion scene. The influence of earthy tones can still be seen in contemporary fashion, demonstrating the enduring impact of Kanye's vision. Another lasting impact was the mainstreaming of oversized silhouettes. Kanye's penchant for oversized hoodies, bomber jackets, and wide-legged trousers helped to popularize this trend among a wider audience. Before 2017, oversized clothing was often associated with streetwear or alternative fashion subcultures. However, Kanye's embrace of oversized silhouettes brought this trend into the mainstream, making it acceptable and even desirable in high-fashion contexts. Designers began experimenting with exaggerated proportions, and consumers started incorporating oversized pieces into their everyday wardrobes. This trend towards comfort and individuality has continued to influence fashion, with oversized clothing remaining a popular choice for those seeking a relaxed and stylish look.

Furthermore, Kanye's collaboration with Adidas Yeezy revolutionized the sneaker industry. The Yeezy line not only created highly sought-after sneakers but also redefined the way people perceived athletic footwear. The innovative designs, premium materials, and limited availability of Yeezy sneakers made them highly coveted items. Kanye's influence extended beyond the sneakers themselves; he also popularized the trend of wearing sneakers with high-fashion outfits. Before Yeezy, sneakers were often seen as casual footwear, reserved for athletic activities or informal occasions. However, Kanye's pairing of Yeezy sneakers with designer clothing challenged this notion and elevated sneakers to a status symbol. This trend has had a lasting impact on the fashion industry, with sneakers now being a staple in both casual and high-fashion wardrobes. In addition to specific trends, Kanye's overall approach to fashion has also had a significant impact. His willingness to break norms, challenge conventions, and experiment with unconventional styles has inspired others to do the same. He encouraged people to express their individuality through their clothing and to not be afraid to take risks. This spirit of experimentation has fostered creativity and innovation in the fashion industry, leading to a more diverse and inclusive landscape. Kanye's influence extends beyond specific trends; it's about empowering individuals to embrace their unique style and to push the boundaries of fashion. His 2017 style, in particular, serves as a testament to his lasting impact on the fashion world and his ability to shape the way we dress and perceive fashion.

Conclusion

Kanye West's 2017 style was a pivotal moment in his fashion evolution and had a significant impact on the broader fashion industry. His emphasis on earthy tones, oversized silhouettes, military-inspired pieces, and Adidas Yeezy footwear defined a unique aesthetic that resonated with a global audience. Iconic outfits and moments from this period solidified his status as a trendsetter and a key influencer in the fashion world. The lasting impact of his 2017 style can still be seen today, with earthy tones and oversized silhouettes remaining popular choices among designers and consumers. His collaboration with Adidas Yeezy revolutionized the sneaker industry, elevating sneakers to a status symbol and blurring the lines between casual and high-fashion footwear. Beyond specific trends, Kanye's willingness to break norms, challenge conventions, and express his individuality through his clothing has inspired others to do the same, fostering creativity and innovation in the fashion industry. His influence extends beyond the realm of fashion; it's about empowering individuals to embrace their unique style and to push the boundaries of self-expression. Kanye West's 2017 style serves as a testament to his enduring impact on the fashion world and his ability to shape the way we dress and perceive fashion. It was a year of bold choices, innovative designs, and lasting influence, solidifying Kanye's position as a fashion icon and a cultural visionary. So, whether you're a longtime fan of Yeezy or just discovering his impact, understanding his 2017 style is crucial to appreciating his contribution to contemporary fashion.