Israeli pop star Noa Kirel wore trousers and gloves emblazoned with the face of Kanye West at the MTV Europe Music Awards at the PSD Bank Dome in Dusseldorf, Germany, last night. The outfit featured gold chains, the Star of David and the word “Chai” (“Life”).
West has been under fire for a slew of anti-semitic remarks in recent weeks that have also resulted in several companies, including Adidas, cutting ties with the American rapper.
“I chose to wear on the MTV red carpet a fashion item with a message for the whole world, an item that clearly symbolises that I am both Jewish and Israeli,” Kirel, 21, said of her outfit. “We have recently been experiencing a lot of antisemitism, especially in light of Kanye West’s statements. I am proud to be an Israeli artist who represents Israel in the world.”
Among West’s controversial, anti-semitic remarks included a tweet which said: “I’m a bit sleeping [sic] tonight but when I wake up I’m going death con 3 on Jewish people.”
West, whose legal name is now Ye, has also often asserted that “Jewish Zionists” control the media. He even accused a Jewish doctor of purposefully misdiagnosing him.
Kirel’s outfit was designed by her personal stylist Itay Bezaleli with help from up-and-coming fashion designer Yuval Alroey. Jeweller Maya Geller provided the bling.
Bezaleli credited Kirel for the outfit’s design and commended her for using fashion to deflect attention away from West’s comments.
"This is a clothing set that stands out on the red carpet with a strong message, not just a beautiful piece of clothing," he told Israeli news site Ynet.
Kirel, who won Best Israeli Act at the MTV EMAs for the fifth straight year, will represent Israel at the Eurovision Song Contest next year.
