(Lead image via Getty Images/North America via Zimbio)
Renowned footwear designer Steven Smith has more on the way with Kanye West. Though the two have worked together since the early days of the adidas Yeezy partnership, Ye has named Smith as the Head of DONDA Industrial Design, a branch within the DONDA brand.
As reported by Complex‘s Brendan Dunne, Smith will work on different projects with Ye as a part of the new role, including furniture, the DONDA Foam Vehicle, and more.
I’m honored to help create our shared vision of the future.
Mr. West is the single most inspiring creative I have ever worked with.
Steven Smith via Complex
Smith’s portfolio is as expansive as it is influential. From the New Balance 574, the New Balance 550, and the New Balance 1500 to the Reebok Instapump Fury, the Nike Spiridon, the adidas Yeezy Boost 700, and the adidas Yeezy Powerphase, Smith’s creative prowess will appear in a new form per the recent appointment.
The new job for Smith, however, arrives at a contested time between the adidas and Kanye West relationship. adidas unveiled its adilette 22 Slide, which led to frustration on behalf of West, claiming its design was a “fake” Yeezy Slide. Then, adidas rolled out its adiFOM Q, boding similarities to the adidas Yeezy Foam Runner.
According to the Complex story, DONDA did not disclose whether Smith’s recent appointment interferes with the adidas Yeezy partnership, though adidas and DONDA are separate entities. However, an adidas spokesperson commented on Smith’s role at DONDA.
adidas works with different creative minds based on what is best for our business and partners.
As part of our collaborative relationship with Ye, Steven Smith worked on the adidas Yeezy line at Ye’s request.
As the business has evolved, Steven has accepted a full-time role as head of Donda industrial design, where we look forward to continuing to work together.”
adidas Spokesperson via Complex
Stay tuned to Nice Kicks for more industry news.
