African-American rapper-turned-mogul Kanye West, who is known officially as “Ye,” has revealed plans to sell a variety of hoodies designed by his apparel brand, Yeezy brand, in collaboration with Balenciaga, Adidas, and Gap for $20.
The decision was announced by the multi-industry creative during a tour of his Los Angeles office in a video broadcast by celebrity news site X17.
“I’ve cut up 100 hoodies, from Yeezy, Balenciaga, things we did with Gap, stuff we did with Adidas, and everything we do is going to cost $20,” Ye said, pointing to sweatpants and hoodies tagged “Ye24.”
The recent move comes after German sportswear juggernaut Adidas and French luxury fashion label Balenciaga severed ties with the rapper-turned-fashion designer following his antisemitic comments, which breached the firms’ values of diversity and inclusion, mutual respect, and equality.
“We need to make sure that everyone can receive the same level of cut, the same level of food, the same level of water, and the same level of education,” Ye explained the reasoning for the low price point.
Since Adidas severed ties with Ye in October, his net worth has declined by $1.6 billion, from $2 billion to $400.1 million.
Ye in September terminated his deal with Gap, a U.S. global clothing and accessories retailer after delivering a new line of elevated basics for men, women, and children at affordable price points.
He claimed that the retailer failed to meet its obligations under the agreement, which included distributing Yeezy products in its stores by the second half of 2021 and opening dedicated Yeezy Gap stores.
