Legendary Sneaker Designer Steven Smith Fired by Kanye West
No matter if you know Steven Smith’s name, you’re sure to know his work. The legendary sneaker designer has been a leading creative in the sneaker industry for decades, collaborating with top brands such as New Balance, adidas, Reebok, FILA, and Nike. But now, after eight years of working together, Smith has been fired by none other than Kanye West himself.
According to a new report from Fast Company, Smith was let go by Ye earlier this month after ongoing trouble between the two. This news comes just two years after Smith was appointed head of Donda Industrial Design, the team responsible for the YZY Pods that were initially sold for $200 USD but later dropped to $20 USD.
“He’s lost his mind, the whole of YEEZY is circling the drain and this is just part of it. He has surrounded himself with toxic, C-grade losers,” shared Smith in an interview with Fast Company after his firing. The publication also reports that Ye blocked Smith on Instagram.
Smith had been one of Ye’s most loyal supporters, standing by the artist through controversial comments and serving as the “one and only” employee of Donda Design, a creative company Ye started after his split from adidas. In addition to his work on footwear, Smith had also been prototyping some of Ye’s more unconventional ideas, from yurt houses to foam cars.
However, Smith revealed to Fast Company that Ye’s since-canceled launch of YZY Porn was a “breaking point” for him. While it’s the end of an era, Smith is ready to continue pushing boundaries in the sneaker world.
“I will certainly be a priceless asset to whoever I work with next. It’s all his loss and the result of his foolishness,” Smith concluded in his conversation with Fast Company. As we eagerly await news of Smith’s next move, one thing is for sure – he will continue to make waves in the industry. Stay tuned for updates.
