It’s not the first time a celebrity has turned into a fashion designer and it certainly won’t be the last, but unlike many of the singer-come-dabblers-in-fashion-design who enjoy minimal success in the cutthroat industry, rapper Kayne West is causing quite a stir in the world of high-end fashion design, with the likes of Louis Vuitton requesting his creations.

The American rapper, singer and record producer now even has his own studio in Paris where he designs high-end fashion collections  for both men and women. Rumours are even circulating that West has enrolled at London’s notorious school of fashion, Central Saint Martins.

Speculation is also surfacing to whether the rapper with exhibit his spring 2012 collection this September, although a venue and specific date has yet to be announced.

In designing his landmark ‘rapper’ gear, similar to the outfit Kayne West wore to this year’s ‘106 & Park’ in June and at the CFDA Fashion Awards, which included a Mitchell & Ness Chicago Bulls snapback hat, a pair of black/red Air Jordan 1s, a Salt and Pepper Zip Hoody from American Apparel and black waxed jeans, Kayne is bringing ‘Hip Hop’ and ‘Rapper’ fashion to a high-end market.

Although Kayne West is not the only rapper to be stretching his creative instincts into the world of fashion. Nathan Thompson, aka Hollowman Giggs, who, in 2010, was signalled as the hottest rapper in the UK, has launched his own clothing store in Peckham, London, known as SN1.

The shop attracts many an affluent consumer wanting to be seen wearing the latest SN1 hoodie or PVC leggings with the word “UUMMM!” on the bottom.

Rapper fashion has even arrived at Harvey Nichols, with Pharrell’s Billionaire Boys Club (BBC) hoodies costing as much as £250 and caps costing up to £90. The Knightsbridge store referred to Pharrell’s collection as being “a prolific seller”, proving that ‘working class’ and ‘street culture’ fashion can appeal to the upper class and affluent.

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