It was just a notebook. A simple, leather-bound journal he’s called his Vivet book—a personal sketchpad for his burgeoning fashion brand. But in the hands of internet superstar Kai Cenat at Paris Men’s Fashion Week 2026, it became a lightning rod for a much larger cultural conversation about authenticity, ambition, and who gets to be a creative.
The clip, which has now amassed over 10 million views, shows Cenat confidently walking through the Parisian streets, clutching his journal . To some, it was a powerful symbol of a streamer leveling up, documenting his journey from Twitch to the front row of Louis Vuitton. To others, it was a cringe-worthy act of forced authenticity—what they labeled as deeply Kai Cenat performative.
Table of Contents
- The Viral Moment and the Backlash
- Kai Cenat Performative or Just Evolving?
- The Kanye West Comparison: A Blessing or a Curse?
- Why the Hate Feels Forced
- Conclusion: Is There Room for a New Kind of Creator?
- Sources
The Viral Moment and the Backlash
Cenat’s appearance at PFW wasn’t just a casual visit; he was a guest at major shows like Louis Vuitton and 424 [[2], [5]]. His presence alone was a statement, signaling his serious intent to move beyond the gaming world. The moment he pulled out his Vivet journal—a physical manifestation of his ideas for his own fashion line—the internet split in two.
On one side, fans celebrated his transparency and drive. They saw a young creator documenting his growth, fashion evolution, and even his mental health journey on camera, a practice that should be encouraged, not mocked . On the other side, a wave of criticism crashed in, accusing him of staging the entire moment for clout. The word “performative” became the go-to critique, suggesting his quest for authenticity was itself an inauthentic performance .
Kai Cenat Performative or Just Evolving?
This is the core of the debate. In an age where every public action is scrutinized for its “realness,” Cenat’s very public documentation of his creative process has been weaponized against him. Critics argue that true creativity happens in private, not for the camera. But is that a fair standard?
Consider this: many legendary designers and artists have kept public journals or sketchbooks. The difference today is the platform. Cenat isn’t just showing his work to a private circle; he’s sharing it with his millions of followers in real-time. This transparency, while brave, leaves him vulnerable to accusations of being a poser. However, as one observer noted, “We asked for authenticity, then punished it” . The selective nature of this criticism—often absent when more traditional celebrities make similar moves—suggests a deeper bias at play.
The Kanye West Comparison: A Blessing or a Curse?
No discussion of Cenat’s fashion pivot is complete without mentioning the ever-present shadow of Kanye West. The narrative that “He wants to be like Kanye so bad” has followed Cenat since he began his fashion journey . The two have a known history, with West even sending Cenat custom Yeezy pieces in the past .
While the comparison is inevitable given their shared path from outsider to fashion insider, it’s also reductive. Cenat’s aesthetic and brand, Vivet, are still finding their own voice. To dismiss his efforts as mere imitation ignores the unique perspective he brings as a digital-native creator. His connection to his audience is built on a different kind of intimacy than the often-mythologized persona of a figure like West. The backlash may be less about Cenat copying Kanye and more about the discomfort people feel when a new type of celebrity—one forged in the fires of live-streaming and direct fan interaction—dares to enter the hallowed halls of high fashion.
Why the Hate Feels Forced
There’s a palpable sense that the intensity of the backlash is disproportionate to the “offense.” Holding a notebook is hardly a scandal. So why the vitriol?
Several factors are likely at work:
- Gatekeeping: The fashion industry has long been an exclusive club. Cenat’s rapid ascent, powered by his massive online following rather than traditional industry connections, threatens the established order.
- Perceived Inauthenticity: Because his audience knows him primarily as a chaotic, high-energy streamer, his serious foray into design feels jarring to some, creating cognitive dissonance that’s easy to label as “fake.”
- Schadenfreude: There’s a segment of the internet that enjoys seeing popular figures stumble. Cenat’s earnest attempt at something new provides a perfect target.
As one analysis put it, the hate toward Cenat “feels forced, and it’s hard to ignore how selective the criticism is” . It’s a reminder that the rules for authenticity are often applied unevenly, especially to creators who don’t fit the traditional mold.
Conclusion: Is There Room for a New Kind of Creator?
At its heart, the controversy over whether Kai Cenat is being performative is a proxy war for a much bigger question: who gets to be a creative? Can a Twitch streamer with a Vivet journal sit at the same table as legacy designers? The backlash is a predictable reaction to a changing landscape, but it doesn’t negate the sincerity of Cenat’s ambition. Whether his fashion brand succeeds or fails on its own merits is a separate issue from the online noise. For now, he’s chosen to document his journey publicly, a choice that is as brave as it is risky in our hyper-critical digital world. Only time will tell if the industry—and the internet—will make room for his new chapter.
Sources
- Times of India: “He wants to be like Kanye so bad”: Kai Cenat faces backlash online after being called ‘performative’ at Paris Fashion Week [[1], [3], [9], [13], [19]]
- Vogue: The Celebrities At The 2026 Louis Vuitton Men’s Fall/Winter Show [[2], [25]]
- Culted: Various reports on Kai Cenat’s PFW attendance and Vivet [[8], [17]]
- Complex: Analysis on the authenticity debate surrounding digital creators [[10], [11], [12]]