Kai Cenat is officially taking his cultural footprint far beyond the livestream webcam.
Debuting his first-ever fashion collection at New York Fashion Week on Saturday, September 12, the megastar creator proved he’s not just licensing his name to merch - he’s aiming to reshape the fashion landscape itself.
With heavy hitters like Lauryn Hill and Law Roach in attendance, Cenat bypassed traditional industry delays to deliver an immediate, see-now-buy-now runway experience designed directly for a new generation of style lovers.
For Cenat, the show was about more than making a statement on the runway. It was an opportunity to introduce audiences to a fashion world he has been building for the past three years: Vivet.
From streaming sensation to fashion designer
Cenat’s move into fashion comes after years of building a career in streaming after he rose to prominence through livestreams on platforms such as Twitch, where his energetic personality, comedic content and collaborations helped him attract a massive online following.
His popularity continued to grow through his involvement in AMP (Any Means Possible), a content-creator collective, as well as high-profile collaborations and appearances.
Over time, Cenat became known for his entertainment-driven streams, celebrity interactions and ability to turn online moments into major cultural conversations.
His success has made him one of the most recognisable figures in the streaming industry, giving him a platform that now extends into fashion.
Rather than simply attaching his name to a clothing brand, Cenat has taken a hands-on approach to developing Vivet and shaping its identity.
Building a world with Vivet
According to Cenat, the name Vivet means “he, she, or it will live forever”.
The label is intended to reflect a world he has been developing over time, with its runway debut designed to show the evolution of that vision.
The collection represents his growing interest in design and his desire to create something that extends beyond his work as a streamer.
A see-now-buy-now approach
One of the key ideas behind the collection is accessibility. Cenat explained that he wanted to combine luxurious statement pieces with items his fans could purchase immediately.
In a recent interview on “The New York Times Popcast”, he spoke about his decision to venture into fashion, what inspired him to create his own label and whether he ever imagined moving away from streaming.
“The show is see-now-buy-now. Every time I went to a fashion show and saw something I wanted on the runway, and they told me it wasn’t releasing for six months, it upset me,” he said.
He added that the traditional fashion model often involves designers presenting pieces, gauging public interest and deciding what to release later.
Vivet, however, aims to make the experience more immediate and allow audiences to shop pieces as soon as they see them.
Three acts, one fashion evolution
The runway show was divided into three acts, each representing a different stage in Cenat’s fashion journey.
The opening act introduced more unrefined designs, including the Beginner Hoodie, which represented his early stages of learning and experimenting with fashion.
As the show continued, the collection became more developed, reflecting the growth of both Cenat’s creative direction and the Vivet brand.
Act two featured heavier pieces, including leather, overcoats, denim and structured boots, which drew on a variety of fashion references, creating a more layered and experimental feel.
The final act brought the presentation to a more refined conclusion, with polished silhouettes and more developed designs showcasing the direction Cenat hopes to take the label.
kamogelo.makhura@nationalmg.co.za