Perhaps due to his ongoing feud with adidas, Ye has swapped out his usual Yeezys for a pair of diamond studded flip flops. Complete with full black tabi socks, of course. This bedazzled footwear choice is a first for the rapper whose customary wardrobe includes loose hoodies and boots or sneakers.

Given that Kanye West was spotted in these sparkling thongs at Burberry’s Spring/Summer 2023 show, neurons are starting to fire in the minds of fashion and streetwear enthusiasts. Could this be Riccardo Tisci’s custom piece for Ye? Or does it signal a passing of the Creative Director torch from Tisci to Ye, especially with the Italian designer’s tenure coming to a contractual close in March 2023?

Though concrete details are left to speculation, we can definitively tell you what went down at the show. Models strutted down the intimate catwalk in reimagined flip flops, some studded with diamonds, but none in the exact same fashion as Kanye’s. The rapper, too, spotlights his dazzling footwear on his Instagram story with a so-straightforward-it’s-cryptic caption  “DON’T TALK TO ME”.

In response to paparazzi pictures of his fit, specifically a shot of his mid-walk, Zombie-like posture, Kanye cheekily quips “Knew these slides was gonna go crazy”. Paired with these self-declared “slides” was another bold fashion choice: split toe socks.

We aren’t surprised that Ye had long tabi socks ready to accompany his diamond-studded flip flops. Remember his Maison Margiela mask circa his 2013 Yeezus tour? And let’s not forget… “What’s that jacket, Margiela?”

While only time will tell whether this is a release from Ye or Burberry (or both?), we’ll be sure to update if any news drops. In the meantime, why not check out Palace’s neon touch on the adidas Y-3 Yuuto?

Image via Neil Mockford/GC Images/Getty & @kanyewest