London 3/11/2011 4:00:00 PM
News / Entertainment

Kanye West refused entry at Paris fashion week

Kanye West has reportedly been refused entry to Paris fashion week shows after appearing uninvited.

The 'Stonger' rapper – who has spoken many times of his aspiration to become a designer – is said to have encountered trouble when heading to exhibitions for fashion houses Alexander McQueen and Balmain.

Kanye reportedly appeared at Le Grand Hotel in the French capital with his entourage for the Balmain show only to be told he wasn't invited, leading him to head to "a separate part of the hotel, so people didn't see him," according to a source.

A representative for Balmain show organiser KCD told the New York Post newspaper: "Mr. West requested to attend and we let him know we would not be able to accommodate him.

"He chose to come to the door anyway and we kindly let him know we could not accommodate him."

The 33-year-old rapper then had problems getting into the Alexander McQueen show, run by the same company.

The representative added: "He did not make a request to attend, but he came uninvited."

Eventually he was let in through the side door "by venue management, not through the front door."

Kanye has, however, been welcome at many other events during the fashion week, including Valentino, Givenchy and Vivienne Westwood shows.

The source said: "Kanye has been a welcome guest at several events that KCD has managed over the years.

"Several designers chose to have smaller shows this season and therefore chose to not invite celebrities in order to accommodate press and buyers."