From Streamer to Stylist: Kai Cenat Debuts Fashion Line VIVET
By: Fiamma Greaney, Staff Writer Edited by: Sheza Qasim
During New York Fashion Week, popular Twitch streamer Kai Cenat debuted his new clothing line, VIVET. The star-studded guestlist included artists such as Lauryn Hill, other streamers such as Rakai and celebrity stylist Law Roach. Models and streamers alike strutted down the runway in looks ranging from high-end denim to distressed loungewear.
While this was undoubtedly a high-production and extensively thought-out showcase, it’s no secret that Kai Cenat didn't get his start in fashion. Cenat’s claim to fame is his comedic skits paired with his charismatic personality and marathon streaming style. Does this show mark the beginning of a breakthrough fashion career for Cenat, or is it just a quick celebrity cash grab that will be abandoned in a few years?
Last year, during the December 2025 annual Streamer Awards, Kai Cenat accepted an award for Best Streamer Event and gave an inspiring speech where he discussed his determination to be more than just a streamer. He proclaimed, “I have dreams one day to become a fashion designer and start my own clothing brand.” Nine months later, people were filing into Cipriani and taking a seat amongst the elaborate rows of bright white lights, waiting to see Cenat’s dream in action.
This show was a complex dance featuring both menswear and womenswear, often showcasing multiple looks at the same time. The show began with streetwear featuring monochrome hoodies, sweatpants, and casual clothing sets. As more looks were revealed, the show began to develop into something far more extravagant, with models wearing head to toe fur coats, mixing textures and ostentatious leather. One of the accessories is directly connected to Cenat’s roots as a streamer, the VIVET Streaming Backpack is “designed for streaming, combining leather and mesh for a contemporary take on a performance accessory.” While other items tie into Cenat’s Caribbean ancestry, the VIVET Slim Fit Leather Pants feature a wax treatment on the pockets that is inspired by the traditional practice at carnival for festival participants to paint themselves using black paint as a way to honor their African heritage.
Cenat isn’t turning on his streamer background. The entranced crowd of fashion critics, streamers and influencers alike weren't the only people watching in real time. In fact, Cenat livestreamed this show to his community of fans on Twitch, and each of the 41 looks made their way down the runway, being worn by streamers and models. Fans of the pieces had the opportunity to purchase these items via the VIVET website right away. Because of this exposure, many of his pieces, especially the more practical items, sold out immediately. Cenat expertly capitalized on his audience and incorporated them into his career switch in a way that allows his fans to transition and evolve into something new alongside him.
Prior to this debut show, Kai Cenat went on The New York Times Popcast where he sat down and discussed all things VIVET and what this transition represents for the rest of his career. Cenat stated that in the early stages of development, he often felt “lost.” But through learning and collaborating with prominent figures in the fashion world today, such as Law Roach, he began to find his vision along with his creative voice. Two days after the show, Cenat posted a YouTube video titled “Don't Quit” where he took his following through the process of creating, designing, and eventually successfully putting on the show, allowing his audience to see the authenticity and determination behind this launch.
His move towards a new venture did not thrill everyone. Comments under VIVET's Instagram posts state that the clothing is "bland” and Cenat should “stick to streaming.” On YouTube, commenters complain about the prices of items and discuss how the marketing felt gimmicky. It is not unheard of for content creators to start and promote brands only to abandon them shortly after. For example, popular influencer Addison Rae launched Item Beauty in 2020. At the time, her socials were flooded with content about this makeup line, but it has since been pulled from the shelves and has become a brand Rae no longer affiliates with. Followers don’t always translate to market success, and many people feel that celebrity brands lack an original point of view. It's understandable why some would be doubtful about the longevity behind this luxury brand. However, Cenat has showcased through his social media presence how this collection wasn’t an easy or quick process. Cenat put in the time to ensure this clothing line and debut fashion show represent all corners of his life, especially his journey as a streamer. He doesn't shy away from discussing his imperfections along the way. This level of honesty makes his brand feel genuine and refreshing, and it lets his raw passion shine through.
For Cenat, the answer is in the name. The name VIVET comes from the Latin word meaning “he, she, or it will live forever,” and the brand's website boasts “VIVET is built for those becoming more.” At its core, this is a clothing line designed for people who are constantly evolving and growing into different versions of themselves, as is Cenat.
While there is no way of knowing for sure how serious Cenat truly is and whether this will be a lifelong endeavor, it is clear that VIVET is something close to Cenat’s heart and a brand that matches the creative spirit of the enterprise he has created through streaming.
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