In this file picture taken in 2020, Kanye West attends the Vanity Fair Oscar Party. Photo: AFP
Kering SA’s Balenciaga fashion label said it has ceased working with rapper and designer Kanye West, who now goes by Ye.
"Balenciaga has no longer any relationship or any plans for future projects related to this artiste,” a spokesperson for Kering said Friday (Oct 22) in a statement to Women’s Wear Daily.
Representatives for the company didn’t respond to requests for further comment.
Read more: Why did Kanye West's relationship with fashion brand Gap fall apart?
Reached via text message, Ye said, "God runs the world. We perform only for God. We serve only God. God bless.”
In recent weeks, Ye has made controversial statements including antisemitic social media posts and has moved to cut ties with his corporate partners.
The French fashion house last collaborated with Ye on a project with his Yeezy label and Gap Inc that debuted earlier this year.
Products included US$300 (RM1,422) hooded jumpsuits and US$200 (RM948) cross-body bags. He also walked the runway for Balenciaga’s fashion show in Paris earlier this month.
Ye’s partnership with Gap is now winding down as the parties terminated their relationship last month, ending an arrangement that was set to run through 2030.
Meanwhile, his lucrative sneaker deal with Adidas AG has been put under review by the German athletic-wear maker.
Read more: After Gap, now Kanye West's relationship with fashion brand Adidas breaks down
In an interview with Bloomberg in September, Ye renounced his corporate deals and said he intended to branch out on his own. He also complained that his Gap line with Balenciaga was being mismanaged.
"It’s time for me to go it alone,” Ye said at the time. "No more companies standing in between me and the audience.” – Bloomberg
