Kanye West
Ye (formerly Kanye West) created the most commercially successful musician-brand partnership in history — Adidas Yeezy generated nearly $1.7 billion in annual revenue at its peak. The Yeezy Boost 350 and 750 redefined what sneaker collaboration could be. In October 2022, Adidas terminated the partnership with immediate effect after Ye made a series of antisemitic remarks and wore a 'White Lives Matter' shirt at Paris Fashion Week. The termination cost Adidas over $246 million. All Yeezy inventory has since been sold, with proceeds donated to anti-discrimination charities. Ye has not secured another major apparel partner. The Yeezy resale market remains active — some pieces have become collector's items precisely because no new stock will ever be produced.
- 2009Nike Air Yeezy 1 releases — the shoe that proved musicians could design footwear
- 2012Air Yeezy 2 'Red October' — leaves Nike for Adidas over royalty dispute
- 2015Adidas Yeezy Boost 750 launches; 9,000 pairs sell out in minutes
- 2015Yeezy Boost 350 wins FN Shoe of the Year
- 2020Yeezy reaches $1.7B in annual revenue; GAP × Yeezy announced
- 2022Adidas terminates Yeezy partnership after antisemitic remarks (Oct)
- 2022GAP, Balenciaga, and other partners also sever ties
- 2025Adidas sells final Yeezy inventory; donates €250M+ to anti-discrimination charities