The Rise and Fall of Yeezy: The Complete History of the Kanye West and Adidas Partnership
The Genesis of an Icon: How the Adidas x Yeezy Partnership Began The story of the Adidas and Kanye West "Yeezy" partnership is not just a business tale; it's a monumental chapter in the history of sneaker culture. It’s a story of creative vision, commercial success, and ultimately, a spectacular collapse. Before Adidas, Kanye West had a notable, but often contentious, relationship with Nike. He released two highly-sought-after sneakers with the swoosh brand, the Nike Air Yeezy 1 and Air Yeezy 2. However, a major point of friction was Nike's refusal to offer West royalties on his shoe sales, a standard practice for its athletes but not its music collaborators. This desire for creative and financial autonomy led Kanye to seek a new partner. In 2013, the announcement of a partnership between Kanye and Adidas sent shockwaves through the industry. This move was seen as a bold gamble for Adidas, who was lagging behind Nike in the North American market. However, ...