Image via Complex Original
Yeezusis finally here, and Kanye West has once again made his indelible mark on music, art, and style, as he does every time he releases new work. He also just had a kid with his maybe-wife-to-be Kim Kardashian. What a month this guy is having. He gets a lot of credit—deservedly so. He gives himself a lot of credit, too. Can't blame him for that, but we can consider the influences, whether he knows it or not, that have help guide him along the way.
'Ye is in a class of his own these days, a true pioneer sonically and stylistically, but without some of these surprising predecessors, his fashions choices might have been quite a bit different. Brace yourself, and meet some of the trendsetters who paved the way for Yeezy. Check out a History of Kanye West's Style Inspirations.
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Lo-Lifes
Where: The College Dropout Era
When: 2003-2004
Inspiration: Polo Ralph Lauren Enthusiasts, Lo-Lifes
Boyz II Men
Where: Graduation Era
When: 2007
Inspiration: Boyz II Men, 1991-95
Diddy
Where: Grammy Awards
When: 2005
Inspiration: Diddy at Soul Train Awards, 1997
Michael Jackson "Thriller" Album Cover
Where: MTV Video Music Awards
When: 2005
Inspiration: Michael Jackson's Thriller Cover, 1982
Don Draper
Where: The Rosewood Movement
When: 2010
Inspiration: Don Draper from Mad Men
Keith Haring
Where: MTV Video Music Awards
When: 2009
Inspiration: Keith Haring's art
Al Pacino as Tony Montana in Scarface
Where: Grammy Awards
When: 2006
Inspiration: Al Pacino as Tony Montana in Scarface, 1980
John Travolta in Saturday Night Fever
Where: MTV Video Music Awards
When: 2005
Inspiration: John Travolta in Saturday Night Fever, 1977
Michael Jackson
Where: Phillip Lim 3.1 Fashion Show, New York Fashion Week
When: 2009
Inspiration: Michael Jackson at the Grammy Awards, 1984
Peewee Herman
Where: 808s & Heartbreak Era
When: 2008-2009
Inspiration: Peewee Herman
The Beatles
Where: Brit Music Awards
When: 2009
Inspiration: The Beatles Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, 1976
Richard Pryor
Where: MTV VMAs
When: 2010
Inspiration: Richard Pryor in Live at the Sunset Strip, 1982
Michael Jackson in "Billie Jean"
Where: Grammys
When: 2009
Inspiration: Michael Jackson in "Billie Jean," 1983
Eddie Murphy
Where: Saturday Night Live
When: 2010
Inspiration: Eddie Murphy in Delirious, 1983
Tupac
Where: Marquee Nightclub at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
When: New Year’s Eve, 2010
Inspiration: Tupac, 1994-96
Justin Timberlake
Where: New York Fashion Week
When: September, 2012
Inspiration: Justin Timberlake at the American Music Awards, 2001
Kurt Cobain
Where: #OccupyWallStreet, New York City
When: October, 2011
Inspiration: Kurt Cobain of Nirvana
Maximus from Gladiator
Where: "Watch the Throne" tour
When: December, 2011
Inspiration: Maximus from Gladiator, 2000
Rambo
Where: 2 Chainz's "Birthday Song" video
When: August, 2012
Inspiration: Sylvester Stallone as Rambo, 1982
The Human Spider
Where: Maison Martin Margiela Spring/Summer 2013 Show, Paris
When: January, 2013
Inspiration: Peter Parker as "The Human Spider" in Spider-Man, 2002
Owls of Ga'Hoole
Where: Atlantic City
When: December, 2012
Inspiration: Boron from Legend of the Guardian: The Owls of Ga'Hoole, 2010
Zao From Die Another Day
Where: Atlantic City
When: January, 2013
Inspiration: Zao, Super villain from Die Another Day, 2002
Cobra Kai from Karate Kid
Where: Ipanema Beach, Brazil
When: February, 2013
Inspiration: Cobra Kai from Karate Kid, 1984
Jon Snow From Game of Thrones
Where: Celine Fall/Winter 2013/2014 Show
When: March, 2013
Inspiration: Jon Snow from Game of Thrones
Melle Mel
Where Saturday Night Live
When: May, 2013
Inspiration: Melle Mel of Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five
Travis Bickle from Taxi Driver
Where: Governor's Ball, Randall Island, New York
When: June, 2013
Inspiration: Travis Bickle from Taxi Driver, 1976