If you’re wondering what happened to the bear costume from “The College Dropout” era, look no further!
When one thinks of Kanye West and “The College Dropout” album, the image of the bear that graced the cover may ultimately come to mind. Now fans will potentially be able to get their hands on it thanks to designer Sam Hansen.
Per Complex, following an interview on the origins of “The College Dropout” bear with Hansen, Andrew Barber of Fake Shore Drive has unlocked a new discovery on what could now be a collector’s item. In an all-new sit down with Eric Arginsky, the person who worked closely with Ye and others, Barber learned that there was an abandoned effort to bring a plush bear line to the surface to promote the album.
Since that line never saw the light of day, Arginsky ultimately landed ownership of the costume. In fact, it isn’t even the original costume from the cover as he explains that Ye’s team was never able to secure a deal with the school to gain possession of the item.
“I think they tried to buy or purchase that from the high school,” Arginsky shared during the interview. “They were turned down.”
He continued: “Obviously, it was going to be the basis for everything going forward [so] they went out and bought this suit which was then what they used on the DVD cover and for future promotions.”
The suit that was created during the process of the now-scrapped plush line was used in promos, at award shows and even on tour. Now, he says that his mother wants the costume out of her house soon.
When asked if he had any interest in letting the costume go soon, Arginsky says that he is open to the idea of selling it.
“I love business and opportunity so the best thing that could ever happen is someone from Ye’s camp sees this video and reaches out to you to bring this opportunity back and then you and I are producing bears tomorrow,” he said, according to the outlet. “That’s what I’m really hoping for. I know that the percentages are very slim on that one. But yeah, I would say at this point I’m really open to anything.”
As for the price he’s willing to let it go for, Arginsky seemingly disclosed $1 million as an acceptable offer and even suggested that he’d be open to a museum or charity approach for the new home of the bear famous for “The College Dropout” era.
