Iraqi rapper Narcy to teach course on Kanye West at Concordia

Narcy will be teaching the first-ever course about Ye. AFP
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Updated 22 March 2022
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Iraqi rapper Narcy to teach course on Kanye West at Concordia

DUBAI: Iraqi-Canadian rapper and professor Narcy, who was born Yassin Al-Salman, will be teaching the first-ever course about US rapper and designer Ye (formerly known as Kanye West) at Montreal’s University of Concordia, where he has been teaching for nearly a decade.

Ye is inarguably one of the most influential, controversial (he was just suspended from Instagram for 24-hours) and complex celebrities of our generation, so it makes sense that the university is set to offer an entire class on his life and work.

The news comes fresh off the heels of Netflix’s three-part Kanye West documentary “Jeen-Yuhs.”

The rapper and full-time educator took to his Instagram account to announce the news, writing: “I will be teaching the first all @kanyewest class on a university level. Listen, in 2013 I was given the opportunity and blessing to teach at @concordiauniversity.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by IRAQAFELLA (@narcynarce)

“Over the course of years, I grew the class from 40 students to 200 a semester, moved us into an auditorium. I taught classes on ATCQ, Lauryn hill, @blackstarkeepshining … it became a huge part of my life and a responsibility.

“Post-pandemic, Inshallah, I want to bring something new and fresh to students. An opportunity to bring more amazing guests to the university and to discuss the world through the lens of one of the most influential artists of our generation.”

The course is titled “Kanye vs. Ye: Genius by Design” and will delve into the rapper’s work and the media.

It is limited to 200 students.

Narcy also stated: “This class isn’t only about Kanye. It’s about community, creativity, responsibility, accountability, fame and mental health, dreams and nightmares — and more importantly, self-actualization.”

West joins a long list of celebrities who have had entire college courses dedicated to them, including Beyoncé, Frank Ocean and Taylor Swift.


Saudi label KML unveils new collection in Paris

Updated 21 January 2026
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Saudi label KML unveils new collection in Paris

DUBAI: Siblings Razan and Ahmed Hassan presented their Fall/Winter 2026–2027 collection at Paris Fashion Week on Tuesday, continuing the rapid rise of their KML label.

The duo has gained international recognition since launching the brand in 2022, most recently being named semifinalists for the LVMH Prize — a prestigious annual award for emerging designers.

Creative director Ahmed’s minimalist designs and sharp tailoring mean KML — owned by his sister, Razan — has built its identity around reimagining traditional Saudi garments through a contemporary lens. Jackets are paired with shawl-like elements, large leather belts recall those historically worn by Bedouin men, and skirts nod to silhouettes once worn by men in the Eastern Province, Jazan and the Hijaz.

The collection leans on wrap constructions, asymmetry and elongated proportions. (Getty Images)

The approach is reflected in the new collection, which features a restrained palette of black, white and muted earth tones, leaning on wrap constructions, asymmetry and elongated proportions.

Flowing skirts, structured wrap tops and robe-like coats dominate the lineup, with some looks referencing classical draping while others lean toward utilitarian dressing, defined by sharp shoulders, cinched waists and clean, architectural lines.

In a previous interview with Arab News, Ahmed said their grandmother was a huge influence on their lives as he and his sister grew up in Riyadh. He fondly recalled both her progressive nature and inimitable style. As a young boy, Ahmed would often accompany her to fabric shops so she could get her designs stitched by a local tailor. The experience left an impression, though fashion was not an obvious initial career path.

Ahmed studied architecture and became an intern at Zaha Hadid Architects, where he developed an appreciation for structure and form. Razan, meanwhile, pursued law at Prince Sultan University and she went on to practice full-time.

“One summer, we both realized we weren’t doing what we truly wanted to do, so I decided to go to the UK to study creative writing, and Ahmed went to Central Saint Martins (in London) for a few courses,” Razan explained.

That was the catalyst for KML. In August 2023, they launched their debut capsule collection and towards the end of that year they applied to the Saudi 100 Brands program. The Fashion Commission recognized their potential, helping KML launch collections at fashion weeks in Paris, Riyadh and Milan.