Kai Cenat Makes New York Fashion Week Debut With Vivet Collection

Kai Cenat, the world’s most popular streamer, made his New York Fashion Week debut, showcasing his Vivet collection at Cipriani Wall Street in Lower Manhattan over the weekend. 

Cenat took a nine-month hiatus from streaming and self-studied design, manufacturing, and tailoring alongside industry professionals in Italy. 

His inaugural collection featured 41 looks across three categories, ranging from boxy hoodies to a floor-length fur coat. The show was live-streamed on Twitch to over 800,000 viewers and drew celebrities such as Ms. Lauryn Hill, PlaqueBoyMax, and Law Roach. 

Related post: Kai Cenat: The Online Streamer Redefining Content Creation

From Twitch to NYFW

Cenat started creating on YouTube in 2018 when he was just 17 years old. His relatable humor drew viewers in, and his dynamic personality kept them coming back for more. Cenat had a real talent for creating comedic viral moments. In 2020, he joined the YouTube creator collective Any Means Possible, which only expanded his audience. 

Cenat officially transitioned to Twitch in 2021, moving from the traditional pre-recorded video format to unscripted live streaming. This is truly where his influence became undeniable. He made history in 2023 by becoming the most-subscribed Twitch streamer during a month-long “Subathon.” For 30 days straight, Cenat continuously streamed, showing every aspect of his life. He gained over 300,000 new subscribers in the month, breaking Twitch’s all-time high record. 

His popularity attracted celebrity guests like LeBron James, Kevin Hart, and Nicki Minaj to his streams, which he held in his bedroom. Cenat became a celebrated figure, bridging the gap between everyday youth and famous icons. His reach even permeated popular culture; Cenat helped popularize the term “rizz,” meaning charisma. This became Oxford Dictionary’s word of the year in 2023. 

Over the last eight years, the 24-year-old has built a following of over 82 million across Twitch, YouTube, and other social media channels. He also created Streamer University, a live-streamed creator bootcamp that teaches upcoming creators about content creation. Forbes estimated his earnings at $8.5 million in 2025. 

Earlier this year, Cenat released a video titled “I Quit.” He said he was quitting overthinking and stepping outside his comfort zone to pursue a career in fashion. 

Related post: Kai Cenat is Back, Opens Applications for Streamer University 2026

Vivet Debut 

For nine months, Cenat stepped away from the camera and immersed himself in fashion. He spent time in Italy, studying manufacturing, design, and tailoring from industry experts. The streamer delved into designers’ books and old interviews for inspiration. He attended shows in Paris and dedicated himself to learning everything about fashion. Although investors approached him, eager to get involved, Cenat kept the whole project self-funded. Nine months later, he exhibited his debut collection at New York Fashion Week. 

The Vivet Spring/Summer collection featured men’s and women’s wear across three categories, which signaled Cenat’s creative progression. The looks travel from comfortable athleisure to bolder, more contemporary looks. Models sported boxy hoodies, drawstring joggers, leather jackets and trousers, and fur gilets. The accessories included Italian leather bags, leather boots, and a reworked streamer backpack. Professional models Alton Mason, Giovanna Ramos, and Siebe were joined on the runway by streamers Marlon, Duke Dennis, and BruceDropEmOff. 

Contrary to industry norms, everything that viewers saw on the models was immediately available to purchase through the Vivet website. “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. That’s just the culture – they display it, see what people like, then decide what to release,” Cenat explained. “I’m a streamer; I have an audience that’s very interactive when watching something live, and I know if a kid at home sees something, they want to get it now.”

Related post: Online Streamer Kai Cenat Confirms $5 Million Nigeria School Project

Mixed Reactions 

Cenat’s massive platform and unconventional entry into the fashion industry left him open to scrutiny. Many comments attacked him for not going to fashion school or interning at a fashion house before releasing his first collection. Other celebrities like Stella McCartney, Victoria Beckham, and the Olsen twins faced the same criticism when they first entered the industry. 

“A lot of people who went to fashion school feel entitled to opportunities just because of a degree.” Said Fashion critic Ayọ̀ Òjó, A.K.A. Fashionroadman on Instagram. “Kai created his own platform, lane, and audience separate from the industry and is utilizing it.”

Regardless of what critics say, Cenat’s debut collection has caused waves in the fashion scene. Fashion is a historically elusive industry, with viewers only seeing the completed product or final runway show. Cenat challenged this by live-streaming the entire show on YouTube and Twitch and vlogging the process for his subscribers. The creative entrepreneur who got his start making chaotic comedy videos is proving his creativity knows no bounds,and that he is committed to bringing his audience along every step of the way. 

Main image: Kai Cenat.