Yeezy Season 3 Chaos: Kanye West, Taylor Swift Feud, and the Sneaker Fallout

Back in 2016, the feud between Kanye West and Taylor Swift reignited—this time not just in the headlines, but on the runway. Just when it seemed the cube-shaped bouquet Kanye sent Tay might have settled the “bad blood” between them, Ye stirred fresh controversy with his song “Famous.”

The track premiered during his Yeezy Season 3 fashion show at Madison Square Garden—an event that merged music, fashion, and drama in equal measure. He rapped, “I feel like me and Taylor might have sex / I made that bitch famous,” a pointed reference to his interruption of her 2009 MTV VMA speech. The line not only reignited their public feud but also placed his Yeezy fashion brand at the center of cultural controversy.

Karlie Kloss attended the Yeezy Season 3 Fashion Show on February 11, 2016, wearing Adidas x Kanye West Yeezy 350 Boost sneakers in pirate black, a Rosie Assoulin spring 2016 outfit, and a Reformation Kensington jacket in army (Credit: Dara Kushner / INFphoto)

While Yeezy footwear dominated streetwear and celebrity closets for years, its image was inevitably shaped by West’s polarizing persona. The brand’s influence eventually unraveled in October 2022, when Adidas officially ended its multi-billion-dollar collaboration with Yeezy following Kanye West’s antisemitic remarks on social media and in interviews.

The split marked a dramatic fall from fashion grace, signaling how quickly public perception—and brand partnerships—can shift in the world of celebrity-endorsed style.

Yeezy Season 3 Sparks Fallout: Swift’s Inner Circle Turns Against the Brand

What made the situation even more intense in 2016 was that Kanye debuted the track during his Yeezy Season 3 fashion show, during which the Kardashian-Jenners—including Swift’s known friends Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid—were seen bopping along to the controversial lyrics.

Taylor’s friends and family members quickly came to her defense. Her younger brother, Austin, was among the first to respond, posting a video of himself throwing his Adidas Yeezy Boost 350 sneakers into the trash.

The rest of Taylor’s “squad” quickly followed suit. Back in 2016, Jaime King — whose son is godmothered by Taylor — promptly deleted her video from the Yeezy Season 3 fashion show.

Members of the Swift Squad: Gigi Hadid, Martha Hunt, Hailee Steinfeld, Cara Delevingne, Selena Gomez, Taylor Swift, Serayah, Lily Aldridge, Mariska Hargitay, and Karlie Kloss at the 2015 MTV Video Music Awards held at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, California, on August 30, 2015 (Credit: FayesVision / WENN)

Celebrity Loyalties Clash with Fashion Choices: Yeezy Fallout in the Swift Squad

Gigi Hadid clarified then that her presence at the show didn’t equate to endorsement of its message. “My attendance somewhere does not mean I agree with everything being said in the music playing there. My friends know of my loyalty,” she tweeted in 2016.

Meanwhile, Taylor’s tall, blonde “twin” Karlie Kloss, who had shared an Instagram photo flaunting her Yeezy sneakers, deleted the post after facing backlash from Swift’s fans.

In 2016, several of Taylor Swift’s close friends distanced themselves from the Yeezy brand following the controversy. If you were in their shoes, would you have thrown out or stopped wearing your Yeezy sneakers, too?

Stepping Out in Style: Celebrities Who Love Yeezy

Yeezy footwear, designed by Kanye West, has been a staple in celebrity fashion, with numerous stars showcasing the brand’s distinctive designs on various occasions. Here are some notable moments featuring Yeezy:

Khloé Kardashian Rocks Multiple Yeezy Styles

• Event: Various outings in Los Angeles
• Outfits: Khloé Kardashian was spotted wearing different Yeezy designs, including the transparent Yeezy Season 2 sandals, the black/red Yeezy Boost 350 V2 sneakers, and the Yeezy Season 3 lace-up suede boots.
• Footwear: Her choices ranged from clear-strap heels to sleek sneakers, highlighting the versatility of Yeezy footwear.
• Read more: Khloé Kardashian’s Yeezy shoe moments

Jennifer Lopez Shops in Yeezy Season 1 Boots

• Event: Christmas shopping at Barneys New York
• Outfit: Jennifer Lopez paired Rag & Bone jeans with a white tee and a fur vest from Sonia Rykiel.
• Footwear: She completed her look with Yeezy Season 1 boots, adding a touch of edgy style to her ensemble.
• Discover more: Jennifer Lopez’s chic shopping look with Yeezy boots

Kim Kardashian’s Casual Look with Yeezy Boost 350 V2

• Event: Visit to Epione skincare clinic in Westwood
• Outfit: Kim Kardashian wore a red-piped velvet jacket from Pony, black workout leggings, and accessorized with Céline sunglasses and a Hermès Birkin tote.
• Footwear: She opted for black Yeezy Boost 350 V2 sneakers, blending comfort with style.
• See her look: Kim Kardashian’s relaxed ensemble featuring Yeezy sneakers

Nicky Hilton’s Maternity Style with Yeezy 700 V3 “Azael”

• Event: Outing in Soho, New York City
• Outfit: Nicky Hilton wore a black coat with gold buttons, a black-and-white striped sweater, and black trousers, showcasing her chic maternity fashion.
• Footwear: She completed her look with Adidas Yeezy 700 V3 “Azael” sneakers, featuring a monofilament-engineered mesh upper and RPU overlays.
• Explore her style: Nicky Hilton’s stylish maternity look with Yeezy sneakers

Kendall Jenner Courtside in Yeezy Season 3 PVC Ankle Boots

• Event: LA Lakers game in Los Angeles
• Outfit: Kendall Jenner wore a “Dior Addict” statement shirt and denim jeans with dramatically folded hems.
• Footwear: She added a bold touch with Yeezy Season 3 PVC ankle boots and fishnet stockings for added texture.
• See her look: Kendall Jenner’s courtside fashion featuring Yeezy boots

These moments highlight Yeezy’s appeal among celebrities, offering designs that range from bold statements to comfortable classics.

Adidas Yeezy Boost 350 “Moonrock” Sneakers, available in select stores

While the Yeezy-Adidas partnership officially ended in October 2022 due to Kanye West’s controversial remarks, the legacy of their collaboration still resonates in the sneaker world.

For readers interested in exploring what Adidas offers post-Yeezy, visit our comprehensive guide to the best Adidas shoes. From classic staples to new releases, it’s an excellent resource for finding stylish and comfortable options that align with your taste.