Music superstar Kanye West showed his debut collection at Paris Fashion Week yesterday. According to Tim Blanks of Style.com, West, who has no qualms performing in front of thousands of fans, was daunted by the prospect of taking to the ramp in front of a few hundred industry professionals after his show.

While he has earned his stripes in the music world, West’s status in the fashion world was limited to that of an “ardent-bordering-on-obsessive fan” according to Blanks, up until now that is. West’s show attracted an impressive audience including Silvia Venturini Fendi, Olivier Thyskens as well as Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen to name of a few.

West’s collection was surprisingly heavy, considering it is for the Spring/Summer 2012 season; featuring suede, leather and fox fur. Strong shapes reminiscent of Balmain dominated the range which was otherwise permeated with a subtle hint of hip-hop glam.

Although he surprised many with this first collection, West will need a few more seasons to refine his vision, as Blanks suggests, “…conquering his new medium is a work in progress”.