balenciaga

Kanye West Makes Surprise Return To IG

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Kanye West made a surprise return to Instagram, on Sunday night, while asking fans to provide a caption for his post. The picture Ye used shows a slim runway model wearing a gray outfit with red glasses. He took the photo from Balenciaga’s Winter 2023 fashion show in Paris. The brand shared the image on its own Instagram page, just hours prior to Kanye’s post. “Look 44, Winter 23,” read the caption. “Round Shoulder Long Sleeve Turtleneck, Low-Waist Fitted Pants, Biker Boot, Speed Cat Sunglasses.”

As for Kanye’s post, he captioned the photo, “Write a caption…” A number of fans and fellow celebrities commented on the post, including YG who wrote, “Yeezy back !!!!!” Stefflon Don asked, “Where the hell you been at?” before providing the caption idea: “When its the time of the month but he still wanna taste.” While he’s back on Instagram, Ye remains suspended from Twitter.

Kanye With Paparazzi In L.A.

LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 28: Kanye West aka Ye is seen on October 28, 2022 in Los Angeles, California (Photo by MEGA/GC Images)

Balenciaga was one of many companies to cut ties with Kanye West, last year, due to a series of erratic behaviors. He made countless antisemitic remarks, including a threat to “go Death Con 3” on Jewish people, praised Adolf Hitler, and much more. In October, the brand announced in a statement: “Balenciaga has no longer any relationship nor any plans for future projects related to this artist.”

After a tumultuous stretch for West in the fall of 2022, he’s mostly avoided headlines in the last couple of months. In February, however, he had a heated run-in with paparazzi in which he demanded privacy for himself and his new wife, Bianca Censori. “I still got rights as a man,” he told a photographer at the time. “I still got rights as a man. You ain’t taking no more photos. And tell everybody else they ain’t taking no more photos of my wife. You want me to follow you and your wife? Let me take pictures of your wife? I’mma start taking pictures of your wife.” Check out Kanye’s new IG post below.

The Instagram Post

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Karma After Kanye? JP Morgan Chase, Adidas, & Balenciaga Fall Short Since Split With Ye

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Kanye Karma

Several companies such as JP Morgan, Adidas, and Balenciaga have cut ties with Kanye West since his 2022 remarks were deemed antisemitic. However, since Ye’s partnership terminations, it seems those companies are also experiencing financial and reputational issues. Since late 2022, Kanye West has lost several business dealings. Now, it seems those same companies are experiencing financial […]

The post Karma After Kanye? JP Morgan Chase, Adidas, & Balenciaga Fall Short Since Split With Ye appeared first on SOHH.com.

Balenciaga Artistic Director Speaks Out On Child Ad Controversy

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In November of last year, Balenciaga found itself under fire after not one, but two offensive ad campaigns. First, it was the Gift Shop campaign that featured photos of children with inappropriate paraphernalia. Using toddlers as models, this series of advertisements captured images of the children holding bears seemingly dressed with BDSM gear. The background took place in a home setting and was scattered with a variety of items, including inappropriate props like wine glasses.

But, this poorly thought-through campaign wasn’t the only tasteless mistake made by Balenciaga. Only 5 days after the Gift Shop photos were released, Balenciaga also dropped their 2023 Garde-Robe ads. For this campaign, the brand opted for models Nicole Kidman and Bella Hadid. However, they still stirred up trouble. A photo of a Balenciaga x Adidas handbag sitting on a desk turned sour as soon as social media viewers recognized the paperwork that was sitting underneath. One was a copy of the 2008 Supreme Court ruling on US v. Williams, which banned the promotion of child pornography. In addition, the brand placed a book by Michaël Borremans on the desk. Borremans’ work is known to depict seemingly playful scenes of toddlers with a dark and violent twist.

Balenciaga Apologizes for “Unsettling” Mistakes

Evidently, both of these Balenciaga campaigns overtly shed light on a disturbing subject. While the fashion house has been known to spark debates over design choices (such as their crocs with heels), the undertones of these two advertisement concepts didn’t sit well with the internet. The brand eventually removed all images from the campaigns and released public apologies for the controversy.

In a recent interview with Vogue, Balenciaga’s artistic director Demna Gvasalia explained these “unintentional” mistakes. “Despite what many people may have suspected … never, ever would I have an idea to mess around with such an awful and horrible thing,” Demna says. His influence on the initial Gift Shop campaign was intended to be an homage to the “punk and DIY” cultures. As for the following handbag photo, Demna insists that all paperwork was supposed to be fake, and was received from a prop box. In an attempt to make up for their negligence, Balenciaga is actively working with the Kering Foundation and National Children’s Alliance.

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Kanye West Wears German Reich Shirt During Balenciaga Shopping Date With Bianca Censori

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The last half of 2022 saw what some may call “the fall of Kanye West.” The father of four finalized his divorce from Kim Kardashian and publicly feuded with several frequent collaborators. He also lost out on deals with brands like Adidas and Balenciaga.

The “Flashing Lights” rapper didn’t hesitate to air the companies out on social media. However, a recent report reveals that he’s still got at least a little bit of love for the Spanish fashion house.

According to TMZ, West and his new wife Bianca Censori visited Balenciaga’s Rodeo Drive location on Wednesday (January 25) evening. While shopping in Beverly Hills, they apparently dropped some serious cash. Cameras caught their security loading several grey bags into their SUV outside the store.

His decision to shop somewhere that’s cut ties with him seems obviously odd, but that wasn’t the only strange thing about Ye’s big night out. Under his black puffer coat, the 45-year-old was wearing what looks like a white tee with the German Reich’s coat of arms emblazoned across it. The symbol was prominent prior to the Nazi’s adoption of the swastika. The shirt also has “Bundeswehr” written across it, which is the name for Germany’s federal defence forces.

After balling out at Balenciaga, the couple apparently went shopping at Neiman Marcus. It remains unclear if any bags were brought to their vehicle after that stop.

Aside from making major money moves, the newlyweds have also been spending time with Ye’s kids. Just a few days ago, they dined at Nobu with North West. During that outing, the Yeezy architect debuted her new short blonde hair.

Kanye West (L) with daughter North West arrives at Bottega Veneta Salon 01 London collection presentation at Sadler’s Wells Theatre on October 09, 2020 in London, England. (Photo by Mark Boland/Mark Boland/Getty Images)

They’re very clearly spending their time in America at the moment. However, it was reported earlier this week that West and Censori are expected to take a trip down under to meet her family in the near future.

Unfortunately, it seems plans may fall apart as Australian Jewish organizations have been speaking out about their desire to keep the disgraced rapper out of their country. Read more about that here, and check back later for more pop culture updates.

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Kim Kardashian Addresses Balenciaga Backlash 

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Kim Kardashian is finally speaking out about Balenciaga’s recent campaign drama. The high fashion brand released a controversial holiday ad featuring kids holding teddy bears dressed in bondage. Kardashian came under fire after fans slammed the SKIMS founder for not addressing the campaign scandal sooner. 

Kim, whose relationship with the brand has grown tremendously over the years,  opened up about the backlash on Angie Martinez IRL podcast’s. “With the Balenciaga thing, everyone was like, ‘Why aren’t you speaking out? Why aren’t you speaking out?’ And I’m like, ‘Wait. I’m not in this campaign,’” Kardashian told Martinez. “‘I don’t know what’s happening. Let me take a minute to like research this.’”

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 05: Kim Kardashian attends the 11th Annual LACMA Art + Film Gala at Los Angeles County Museum of Art on November 05, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic)
Read More: Kim Kardashian Responds To Balenciaga Controversy

“And then as soon as I saw what everyone was seeing on the internet and the reality of the situation, I completely spoke out and gave my thoughts,” Kim added. “But because I didn’t say, ‘F— you, Balenciaga. That’s it,’ people got mad at that. So they’re mad if I don’t speak out. They’re mad if I do speak out, and if I don’t cancel.”

The mom of four says she took responsibility for her relationship with brand before speaking out. “You don’t want to be a part of the narrative, but you’re brought in,” Kardashian explained. “But then I have to take responsibility and say, ‘Okay, people look at me as the face of this, so let me speak out.’ I just always want to do the right thing.”

Kim also spoke about her co-parenting relationship with Kanye during her sit-down with Angie Martinez. “In my home, my kids don’t know anything that goes on in the outside world.”It’s hard. S—t like co-parenting, it’s really f—king hard.” The reality star added that she wants her kids to have the best memories of their dad. “If they don’t know things that are being said, or what’s happening in the world, why would I ever bring that energy to them?” she shared. “That’s real heavy, heavy grown-up s—t. And they’re not ready to deal with it, and when they are, we’ll have those conversations.” Check out Kim K’s full interview below. 

Adidas To Reevaluate Balenciaga Partnership

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Adidas is one of the biggest sportswear companies in the world and as you can imagine, they take their brand image quite seriously. With that being said, it stands to reason they wouldn’t want to be associated with bigotry and child exploitation.

Consequently, Adidas has already dropped Kanye West and the Yeezy brand from its roster. Following an anti-Semitic crusade from the likes of Ye, the three stripes brand decided to take action. Now, it appears as though they are doing the same thing with Balenciaga.

Adidas shoes are seen at a store in Krakow, Poland on November 7, 2022. (Photo by Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Adidas x Balenciaga Suspended

According to the likes of Sneaker Freaker on Instagram, the Adidas x Balenciaga Stan Smith has been suspended. One consumer was told that their pre-order for the shoe had been delayed. In the message, the brand confirmed that it suspended the collab with Balenciaga. Subsequently, they will be reevaluating what they want to do, moving forward.

As many of you already know, Balenciaga came under fire recently for its bizarre ad campaign that featured children in bondage costumes. Additionally, there were some weird texts surrounding the images. There was even a legal document that had to do with child exploitation. Overall, this had many calling for the cancelation of Balenciaga, and with good reason.

Adidas shoes are seen at a store in Krakow, Poland on November 7, 2022. (Photo by Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

At the time of writing this, it remains to be seen whether or not Adidas will reinstate the collaboration. However, if they do, then many will be upset, especially with how the Kanye relationship ended. Fans want to see some consistency, and Adidas has an opportunity to demonstrate that.

This remains a developing story, so stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from around the sneaker world. Additionally, let us know what you think of this decision, in the comments down below.

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Why Is Kanye West Selling Yeezy Clothes Out Of Large Bags?

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Kanye West has been known for some unconventional rollouts in the past, but the way he insisted his latest Yeezy Gap collaboration be sold has even his staunchest fans flabbergasted. Kanye’s latest collection has his clothing clumped together in massive garbage bags on shop floors rather than hung or folded neatly on shelves. A now-viral tweet from a customer asserts that a sales associate explained, “Ye got mad when he saw they had it on hangers and this is how he wanted it. They won’t help you find ur size too, you just have to just dig through everything.”

Naturally, the question on everyone’s minds is: Why? However, it doesn’t appear that an answer is forthcoming. During a recent appearance on Fox & Friends, which normally loves to hate on rappers but seems to be making an exception for the Trump-supporting Kanye, the rebellious rapper said, “Look, man: I’m an innovator, and I’m not here to sit up and apologize about my ideas. That’s exactly what the media tries to do: Make us apologize for any idea that doesn’t fall under exactly the way they want us to think.” Not exactly an answer.

For what it’s worth, Kanye’s sometimes outrageous approach to doing things often flies in the face of tradition, but often becomes standard operating practice down the line. For instance, when he released The Life Of Pablo to streaming services only partially completed in 2016 and spent the next year or so tweaking things to his liking, he angered some fans who believed he was short-changing them. However, in recent months, stars like Lizzo and Beyonce updated their albums post-release to clean up some questionable language when fans protested. Since then, he’s innovated album releases further by putting out Donda 2 exclusively on his stem player device.

Could this spell the end of clothes hangers and dressed-up mannequins at retail? It probably depends on how well this strategy works out. As CNN points out, though, brick-and-mortar stores have been pretty consistently losing business in the face of online shopping, which is much more convenient. Ironically enough, when you buy clothes online, guess how they arrive. That’s right: In a bag.