By Merisa Fink
Kanye West can now list "designer" among his many talents, which already include rapper, artist, music-video critic and political dabbler. This past Saturday night during Paris Fashion Week Spring 2012, Kanye's first ever clothing collection hit the runway to a front row filled with celebrities and members of the fashion-elite.
The line, which included a huge fur backpack, has received mixed reviews. (Too bad you can't auto-tune a clothing collection.) "Necklines plunged so precariously that they seemed a personal shout-out to J-Lo," wrote Christina Binkley of Heard on the Runway. "Heavy beading – including one breastplate of a top – recalled the Flintstones."
Kanye, as expected, reportedly made a spirited plea to the press at the show's afterparty. According to WWD, Kanye said "I took out [expletive] loans to get the best models, to get the best designers, to get the best venue. I gave you everything that I had. This is my first collection. Please be easy. Please give me a chance to grow. This is not some celebrity s***. I don't f*** with celebrities."
Though many of the critics might seem heartless, it's undeniable that West has a keen eye for trends — and you might not have seen his backpack coming, but you're sure to notice as it's walking away. Put away your purses, ladies: Luxury backpacks are in.
These are not your kids' backpacks. No initials will be embroidered on the front. No pens leaking on the bottom. Schoolbooks and brown-bag lunches need not apply. These backpacks are serious ... and seriously pricey.
The Olsen twins recently debuted a $39,000 crocodile backpack for their own clothing line, The Row. Of course, it already sold out.
Ralph Lauren came out with a backpack furry enough to rival West's, on sale for a cozy $5,750. And Chloe crafted a backpack that is less likely to make your back sweat, and will only set up back a humble $1,356.
Love this trend? Better hope for a cool, cool spring.
More: First lady-favorite Jason Wu announces Target collection