Kanye West, known for his outspoken nature, recently accused Nike of copying his sneaker designs right as his ex-wife, Kim Kardashian, announced a big partnership with the brand.
Kanye West took to social media to voice his concerns about Nike’s latest sneaker designs, sarcastically applauding their creativity while implying they had taken cues from his Yeezy brand. His Instagram post, featuring pictures of Nike’s upcoming GT Future sneaker, contained biting remarks like, ‘THIS NEW NIKE DESIGN REALLY MOVED US / REALLY INSPIRED US AT YEEZY.’ This is a clear jab implying design theft, which isn’t new territory for Kanye.
Meanwhile, Kim Kardashian announced a collaboration between her SKIMS brand and Nike, named NikeSKIMS. This venture is set to launch in spring, targeting fitness enthusiasts with its innovative approach to activewear. Kim shared her excitement on Instagram, promoting the collection as a must-have for those who are ‘body obsessed.’
This partnership timing seems more than just a coincidence, especially as it comes on the heels of Kanye’s outburst. Kim’s announcement adds a new twist to Kanye’s complex relationship with major sportswear brands. This feud isn’t an isolated incident either. Kanye’s history is dotted with conflicts, most notably with Adidas, which ended badly in 2022 after Kanye’s controversial statements led to frozen accounts.
In the past, Kanye accused Adidas of using underhanded SEO tactics to suppress search results for Yeezy, further straining relations. His social media tirade included claims of intimidation and oppression, centered around design rights and business practices. He famously referenced his fallout with Adidas, saying, ‘It’s Yeezy over everything,’ a testament to his unwavering pride in his brand.
The ongoing animosity between Kanye and major brands like Adidas and now Nike, alongside Kim Kardashian’s new venture, creates a dramatic narrative in the world of celebrity and fashion. Kim’s involvement with Nike, against this backdrop of Kanye’s allegations, makes for intriguing public discourse.
Kanye’s fiery accusations against Nike, coupled with Kim Kardashian’s new collaboration, highlight the intricate dynamics of power, influence, and creativity in the fashion industry. As both continue to carve out their paths, their moves are watched with keen interest.
