Yo! Rappers take over fashion world

Used to be that actors wanted to direct and rappers wanted to act. Nowadays, everyone just wants to design. Kanye West recently offered his talents to fashion designers Raf Simons or Louis Vuitton as an intern. (Who ordered the triple soy latte?) He has also written about his yearnings as a designer. The jacket he is wearing here will soon be available, he says, along with his sneakers for Vuitton. He writes today on his blog:

"I swear to you guys all I do is work on design when I get off stage.  I want to and will be the real thing.  I will not just be a "celebrity designer."

I love West's '80s WilliWear vibe and his personal style and influences are inspired. And it sounds like he won't be slapping a label on any old garment to expand his brand. Meanwhile, WWD reports that Pharrell Williams has partnered with a sustainable textile company called Bionic Yarn. But can he knit me a tea cozy?
-- Monica Corcoran

Photo: Getty Images