After Adidas & Gap, Kanye West Says He’s Striking Out On His Own As A Designer

It’s Ye against the world.

Following a recent revelation that Adidas had offered him a US$1 billion buyout, the media mogul has come out once again to announce that he plans to step away from deals with the sportswear giant and Gap once the contracts run out. 

West sprung this news on his fans during an interview with Bloomberg this week, telling the news outlet that it is time for him “to go [at] it alone.” 

The rapper acknowledged that he and the companies both benefitted from the existing deals, and that they jointly worked on ideas with the makings to “change apparel forever.” With that being said, he now wants to approach the audience directly, with no firms acting as middlemen. 

West won’t be free from the shackles of corporate negotiations soon, however, considering his long-term agreement with Adidas only expires in 2026, and the 10-year deal with Gap is slated to conclude at the end of the decade.

Of course, longtime fans and onlookers will know that such proclamations and outbursts aren’t rare for the designer, who’s conceptualized experimental projects ranging from a foam car to McDonald’s packaging. 

Will he eventually change his mind and continue the partnerships with Adidas and Gap? No one can be certain. 

[via Highsnobiety and Bloomberg, cover image via Sbukley | Dreamstime.com and Albo | Dreamstime.com]