Kanye West and Julia Fox Command Paris Fashion Week with Unforgettable, Edgy Style

Kanye West, widely known as Ye, and his then-girlfriend, actress Julia Fox, made an undeniable splash during Paris Fashion Week’s Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2022 circuit. Their appearances were marked by an audacious, often provocative sense of style that captivated onlookers and fashion commentators alike. From full-face masks to dramatic eye makeup and head-to-toe leather ensembles, the duo ensured they were the center of attention at every event. Their sartorial choices were not merely about attending shows; they were a deliberate, high-octane performance that cemented their status as a power couple with a penchant for the avant-garde. Their fashion statements transcended mere trends, instead venturing into the realm of conceptual art and personal expression, challenging conventional notions of celebrity dressing on the revered fashion stage.

On Monday, January 24th, Ye, 44, and Julia Fox, 31, the breakout star of Uncut Gems, arrived at the Schiaparelli Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2022 show held at the historic Petit Palais, part of the Musée des Beaux-arts de la Ville de Paris. Their entrance was nothing short of a theatrical spectacle. The couple chose to embody a bold, almost intimidating aesthetic, with each sporting distinctively outlandish leather outfits that immediately became the talk of the fashion world. This particular appearance underscored their collective commitment to pushing boundaries and embracing a fearless approach to celebrity fashion, an approach that would define their presence throughout the week.

Kanye West, ever the provocateur, opted for a voluminous, oversized motorcycle jacket crafted from lustrous black leather, paired with equally sleek vinyl pants that reflected the ambient lights. His choice of footwear consisted of the now-signature Red Wing #3094 work boots, which have become a recurring staple in his recent wardrobe, offering a grounded, industrial counterpoint to the high-fashion setting. However, the most striking element of Ye’s ensemble was undoubtedly the black facemask that completely obscured his face. This accessory lent him an air of anonymity and mystery, creating an intimidating yet utterly captivating silhouette. The mask served not only as a dramatic fashion statement but also as a continuation of Ye’s evolving visual language, where facial coverings have become an integral part of his public persona, blurring the lines between identity and artistic expression.

Julia Fox, matching Ye’s daring energy, presented a look that was equally impactful and meticulously curated. She donned a peplum leather jacket, its structured silhouette accentuating her figure, paired with a distinct cone corset that paid homage to historical fashion while maintaining a modern, edgy appeal. Her choice of accessories further amplified the luxurious yet audacious vibe: colossal gold earrings dangled dramatically, complemented by a matching gold purse that added a touch of opulent glamour. Thigh-high boots completed her ensemble, extending the sleek leather aesthetic from head to toe. The model and actress’s makeup was another focal point, featuring severe black eyeshadow and eyeliner that dramatically encircled her eyes. Wide, exaggerated wings jetted outwards from her eyelids, giving her an intensely artistic and slightly punk rock appearance. This bold eye makeup drew immediate comparisons to the distinctive style of Dani Miller from the band Surfbort, known for her unapologetically rebellious and artistic aesthetic, suggesting a deliberate nod to alternative fashion subcultures.

The intensity of Julia’s eye makeup at the Schiaparelli show was a continuation, or perhaps an evolution, of a dramatic beauty trend she had showcased just a day earlier. On Sunday, January 23rd, while attending the Kenzo Paris Fashion Week show, Julia’s eye makeup invoked the iconic, regal allure of Cleopatra, creating a sense of ancient mystique fused with modern punk sensibilities. For the Kenzo event, the couple’s outfits were a significant departure from their later leather ensembles, instead opting for a coordinated denim theme. Their blue denim looks immediately drew comparisons to the legendary matching denim outfits worn by Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake at the 2001 American Music Awards – a moment that has since become etched into pop culture history as both endearing and comically audacious. Ye and Julia’s take on the denim aesthetic involved faded blue denim pieces. Ye once again favored an oversized jacket, a silhouette he frequently employs, paired with his trusty Red Wing work boots. Unlike his Schiaparelli appearance, Ye forewent the facemask for this particular look, opting instead for a pair of dark, imposing sunglasses that effectively achieved a similar enigmatic effect, maintaining his signature air of guarded celebrity.

Later on the same Sunday night, the dynamic duo executed a swift and dramatic costume change, slipping into a new set of leather ensembles for another public appearance. It was during this late-night transformation that Ye introduced another striking element to his look: a pair of stark white contact lenses. These lenses were notably reminiscent of those frequently worn by musician Marilyn Manson, a figure with whom Ye had recently collaborated and publicly associated, particularly during his “Donda” listening events. The use of these contacts added an ethereal, almost unsettling quality to Ye’s already unconventional style, further solidifying his commitment to theatricality and avant-garde expression, and perhaps hinting at the influences currently shaping his artistic direction.

These highly visible and often controversial fashion statements came amidst Julia Fox publicly defending her burgeoning romance with Ye. On an episode of her podcast, Forbidden Fruits, she candidly addressed the swirling allegations that her relationship with Ye was merely a calculated move to gain fame and capitalize on his vast wealth and spotlight. With an air of confidence, Julia dismissed these claims, stating, “It’s funny cause I’m getting all of this attention, but I really couldn’t care.” She directly confronted her critics, remarking, “People are like ‘Oh, you’re only in it for the fame, you’re in it for the clout, you’re in it for the money.’ Honey, I’ve dated billionaires my entire adult life. Let’s keep it real.” This bold declaration served as a testament to her self-assuredness and an attempt to reframe the narrative surrounding her relationship. She reiterated her indifference to the heightened scrutiny, claiming she “couldn’t care less” about the incessant media attention and public speculation that came with dating one of the world’s most talked-about celebrities. Her public defense on her podcast provided a glimpse into her personal perspective, asserting her independence and challenging the often-preconceived notions about women dating high-profile figures.

In conclusion, Kanye West and Julia Fox’s presence at Paris Fashion Week was a masterclass in celebrity spectacle and curated controversy. Their meticulously planned, yet seemingly spontaneous, fashion choices – from the Schiaparelli leather and masked anonymity to the Kenzo denim homage and the transformative white contact lenses – ensured they dominated headlines and conversations. Beyond the visual drama, Julia Fox’s vocal defense of their relationship underscored the intense public interest surrounding the couple. Their collaborative approach to style, blurring lines between personal expression and performance art, left an indelible mark on the fashion landscape, proving that during fashion week, the attendees can be just as impactful as the collections themselves. Their bold and unconventional synergy showcased a relationship that defied expectations, both in the realm of fashion and celebrity romance, forever cementing their moment as a significant chapter in modern pop culture history.