‘TAGGED’ Takes a Closer Look at Kanye West’s ‘DONDA’ Style

In the latest episode of HYPEBEAST’s TAGGED series, we’re dissecting each piece showcased in Kanye West‘s cryptic return to Instagram on July 20, ahead of announcing a listening party for his upcoming album, DONDA.

West dropped hints about the album for almost a year prior to announcing its release, but the now-deleted post marked the first clue at what the DONDA era might actually look like. The first two slides in the carousel feature custom gold cuban-linked chains with evenly-spaced words in gothic lettering, reading “North,” “Saint,” “Chicago” and “Psalm,” the names of the rapper’s four children with Kim Kardashian West. While opulent cuban and gold-linked chains have been a mainstay in Ye’s style over the years, he’s traded diamond-set pendants for a more simple, family-focused aesthetic to align with the album, which is named after his late mother.

The next images front mesh camo gloves and an all-black mask from ZANheadgear, priced at roughly $15 USD. The mask pays homage to Ye’s YEEZUS tour, on which he donned Maison Margiela masks while performing. In that era, West said the point of the mask was to exist as a creator outside of the struggles of being a Black man and a celebrity. ZANheadgear’s simply-designed balaclava could be symbolic of Ye’s ongoing desire to separate his creations from his famous identity.

West shows Cartier rings, a John Hardy bracelet, leather Saint Laurent pants, a jacket and boots from Bottega Veneta and Rick Owens shield sunglasses in the final frame. What’s missing are West’s own designs — YEEZY is omitted, which is unusual. Adding to the odd exclusion, he includes a pair of Nike socks with a logo prominently displayed. It’s unknown whether West has a collaboration planned with the brand, but the swoosh’s presence departs from his previous loyalty to Adidas.

The post reflects Ye’s past, but also looks to the future, ushering in a new era defined by subdued, darker pieces nodding to his most significant relationships.

Watch the latest episode of TAGGED above, and check out previous episodes featuring Pharrell, G-Dragon, Playboi Carti and Kid Cudi.