North West Steals the Show (Again) at Yeezy Season 2

Seth Meyers, Anna Wintour, Kim Kardashian, North West, and Riccardo Tisci (plus a photobomb from Jaden Smith) at Yeezy Season 2. Photo: Getty

North West is a born celebrity: The tot hasn’t even turned three, but already, she knows how to capture—and keep—the attention of a massive group of cranky, sweaty, (likely) starving fashion people. Case in point? This article is supposed to be about her dad Kanye West’s latest collection for Adidas, which he showed early Wednesday afternoon in New York’s Chelsea neighborhood. But an hour after leaving the venue, the only thing I remember is Nori.

Well… that’s not quite fair. There was clothing, and I’m going to talk about it. Right now.

More of a heavily choreographed art performance than a runway show, Yeezy Season 2 was presented like a military exercise, with the models marching in a cadence-like formation. Many of the clothes had an army/navy store vibe in varying shades of olive, nude, tan, and brown—giving the pieces a lighter feel than last season. Separates were either oversized and layered, or totally bare (think frontal fishnet thong bodysuits). Men’s tops were elongated, leggings were high-rise, hoods were exaggerated, and baseball caps were pulled down over models’ eyes—so far so, that I didn’t even realize I was snapping photos of West’s sister-in-law, Kylie Jenner, on the runway.

Khloe Kardashian, North West, Kim Kardashian, Kendall Jenner, and Kourtney Kardashian backstage at Yeezy. Photo: Getty

There was some footwear we haven’t seen before, including tough-looking lace up boots for both men and women in white, light gray, and faded aubergine. It was all very Kanye; he basically just created a wardrobe for himself, and maybe his assistants, to wear for the next six months. Visually, it was extremely similar to the rapper’s first collection with Adidas, which showed in February, minus the stocking caps, and subbing in sweatshirts for moth-eaten sweaters. Like last season, West employed models of various heights and nicotine addictions. One of them was literally smoking a cigarette as he walked, stinking up the whole room.

I should also tell you about the people who were at the show—aside from North, I mean. From left to right, the front row (which, bless, was right across from me) went: Seth Meyers, Anna Wintour (namer of North), Kim Kardashian (wearing new season Yeezy), ***NORTH WEST***, Riccardo Tisci, Lorde, Kourtney Kardashian, Khloe Kardashian, Michael Strahan (?), and Common. Kendall Jenner sat behind Kim, along with Kylie’s boyfriend Tyga. I saw Drake hugging his homies before the show, but then he disappeared. He didn’t even say goodbye…

Nori taking charge.

Michael Stipe, Debbie Harry, Courtney Love, and Helena Christensen rounded out the eclectic bunch. No one was doing interviews, and Lorde made a scary face at me when I took a picture of her. I think she was just ~being Lorde~, but some bodyguard whisked me away anyway.

Can we talk about North now? North, who famously cried throughout Yeezy Season 1, is surely a deity disguised in a baby’s body. She’s adorable, she loves lollipops, and she doesn’t give a damn if it’s fashion week and you’re the creative director of Givenchy, she’s going to crawl all over your white sneakers and roll around on the floor.

Though she began watching the show on her mom’s lap, Nori quickly grew restless. “Mommy, I’m tiiiired!” I think I heard her whine as the lights first went down. I feel ya, babe. She proceeded to talk and squirm throughout the show, until she finally wriggled free onto the ground, where she proceeded to take on a ‘flying’ pose between Mommy’s legs. The audience collectively giggled and “aaaw”ed. Butterfly in the sky, North West can fly twice as high.

Kanye West walking through his models. Photo: Getty Images

There were a few intense moments when I was sure North was going to scramble out into the middle of the room with the models and take control of the situation (the ultimate publicity stunt), but sadly, she wasn’t given the opportunity to show the world exactly what she’s capable of. Instead, Auntie Kourtney scooped her up and chilled her out with a little knee bouncing action. Sometimes, that’s all it takes.

Suddenly, a new Kanye West song called “Fade” came on the speakers, and everyone’s heads started bobbing to the bass-heavy beat. A lot of people in the audience already knew all the words, and I felt pretty left out. #FOMO. Nori did a little dance with Kourt, which was cute, obviously. Then ‘Ye appeared and walked through all the models, who were now standing still in rows… and the show was over. Also over was my precious time with North.

I rushed out of my spot and onto the floor to try and catch a closer look at the tiny, headstrong angel with whom I’d been sharing air (and second-hand smoke) for the last half hour, but she was already gone… whisked away, into the midday Manhattan air, presumably on her way to a nap.

As I was walking out, I overheard one dude say to another, “He’ll never sell a single piece of that.” I’m no buyer, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Yeezy Season 2 sell out in seconds. The jackets looked comfy, the sweatshirts cozy, and the colors were laid back and wearable. Of course, I might be more inclined to buy something with North West’s face on it.

Just a suggestion.

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day.