Kanye West arranged his models by skin color at New York Fashion Week

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The 38-year-old debuted his second collection, Yeezy II, on Wednesday, arranging and dressing his models by skin color
On Thursday, Kanye's wife Kim Kardashian, 34, shared three images of models grouped by their 'light, medium and dark' skin tones
Meanwhile, Ice-T, 57, took to Twitter to criticize Kanye's designs, saying he thinks his 'fashion show stuff' looks like 'slave gear'
Kanye sparked anger and frustration among his fellow designers after adding his show to the NYFW schedule at the last minute

By Erica Tempesta and Olivia Fleming At New York Fashion Week

Published: 10:48 EST, 18 September 2015 | Updated: 04:47 EST, 19 September 2015

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When Kanye West unveiled his Yeezy II collection at New York Fashion Week on Wednesday, he had his models march down the runway in groupings seemingly based on their skin color - a purposeful decision that has now been confirmed by his wife Kim Kardashian.

Kim, 34, took to Twitter and Instagram on Thursday to give fans a glimpse of the 38-year-old rappers creative process, sharing three images of models with varying skin tones, labeling each grouping 'LIGHT', 'MEDIUM', and 'DARK'.

The collection had its fair share of critics, including 57-year-old rapper Ice-T, who tweeted on Thursday: 'Kanye's fashion show stuff looks like future Slave gear to me... Just sayin. [sic]'

Take a bow: Kanye West, 38, is pictured with his models after the debut of his Yeezy II collection at New York Fashion on Wednesday

Pale blondes: Kim Kardashian, 34, confirmed that her husband arranged and dressed his models based on their skin tone by sharing three photos on social media, which she labeled 'light, medium, and dark'

The models featured on the runway, including Kim's youngest sister Kylie Jenner and family friend Bella Hadid, were dressed in nude body suits, leggings and layers upon layers of utility separates in colors that best matched their skin tones.

At the start of the show, models were called out by drill sergeants; light-skinned, blonde models marched down the runway first wearing equally pale ensembles. Each group that followed had darker skin and clothing than the one before it, creating a subtle ombre effect.

However, if Kanye was making a purposeful statement about racial inequality in America, he has yet to call attention to it.

When Vogue asked the designer about his casting choices, Kanye explained: 'It’s just a painting, just using clothing as a canvas of proportion and color.'

Secret message? It is unclear if Kanye's grouping was a statement about racial inequality or purely an aesthetic decision

Artist at work: 'It’s just a painting, just using clothing as a canvas of proportion and color,' the rapper said of his casting choices

Regardless of his intentions, Kanye, who collaborated with performance artist Vanessa Beecroft, had his second collection modeled by a diverse array of men and women - more so than many other shows at New York Fashion Week.

'I like form, I like shape,' he told Andre Leon Talley after the show. 'I like all people. I try to demonstrate that with my casting.'

During the show Kim and her daughter North West wore colors to complement their skin tones, while Kanye opted for a charcoal-colored sweatshirt.

And while it may be a mere coincidence, Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour was also seen donning a pale golden frock that highlighted her skin and hair, as she sat in the front row.

Not a fan: Rapper Ice-T slammed Kanye's collection, tweeting on Thursday that the Yeezy II collection looked like 'future slave gear'

Light to dark: When Kanye's models marched down the runway, pale, blondes led the pack. Each group that followed had darker skin and clothing than the one before it, creating a subtle ombre effect

Incognito: Kanye's sister-in-law Kylie Jenner (left) and her friend Bella Hadid (right) appeared in the show wearing baseball caps that shielded their eyes

Kanye debuted his first design collaboration with Adidas, Yeezy I, back in February, and the father-of-one made waves when he announced his second show on Saturday at the last minute.

Earlier this week, his fellow streetwear designer Anne Bowen spoke out against the rapper, revealing that she was forced to change the date of her own show to stop it from clashing with Kanye's after he announced his plans to host a runway event at the last minute - without including details on the official New York Fashion Week schedule.

'It's like we are David and he is Goliath,' the designer fumed to Women's Wear Daily, adding: 'We have been prepping for a year for this at considerable financial, labor, and commitment-cost to our company.

'Our show date has been scheduled for months and has been on the Fashion Calendar for weeks,' she continued, adding: 'We went through all the proper channels to make this a reality.'

Unique beauty: Kanye's show featured a wide range of diversity - more so than many other New York Fashion Week shows

Star-studded: Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour sat in the front row next to Kim and her daughter North West (right)

Family affair: Kim and North modeled taupe frocks at the show, while Kanye donned a charcoal sweatshirt

'And just yesterday we learned that Kanye West is having a show at the same time on the same date as ours,' she said of the debut of her Nomad VII collection.

After viewing Kanye's second lot of designs, many critics got a sense of déjà vu as they noted his new ensembles were fairly similar to last season's showing.

However, Kanye's show attracted one of New York Fashion Week's most star-studded front rows thus far, with guests including Anna, Drake, and Lorde, his sisters-in-law Khloe and Kourtney, and Kendall Jenner, as well as TV host Michael Strahan, Jaden Smith and his girlfriend Sarah Snyder, Late Night host Seth Meyers, rapper 2 Chainz, and Latin singer Miguel.

Givenchy designer and long-time friend of the Kardashian family Riccardo Tisci, who showcased his own New York Fashion Week collection on Friday, also turned out to show his support, and sat alongside Kim on the front row, keeping North West entertained by playing with his hat.