A fateful encounter took place in Sydney in the mid-2000s when a woman named Belle had a chance encounter with renowned rapper Kanye West at The Ivy, one of the most popular entertainment spots of the time. Belle, a Sydney resident, shared this unique story on KIIS FM with radio host Kyle Sandilands.
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Belle recounted that this meeting happened during Kanye West’s iconic “shutter shades” era when he was known for his unique fashion style. According to Belle, Kanye approached her and invited her to join him for a night of partying. “At that time, he was rocking those Venetian shades, you know, the bright yellow ones,” Belle recalled. She couldn’t remember the exact year but assumed it was around the time Kanye was establishing his career with his signature style.
The Memorable Meeting at The Ivy
The Ivy, owned by billionaire Justin Hemmes, was one of the top destinations for celebrities and the elite during the 2000s. It was here that Belle and her friends had an unexpected encounter with Kanye, who was visiting Sydney during his “Touch the Sky Tour.”
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Belle described Kanye as being polite with a “smooth style” and said he was interested in finding out what they would do after the party. Despite the attention from the famous rapper, Belle ultimately chose to stay with her friends and turned down Kanye’s invitation.
Regret Over Missing the ‘Chance’ to Be the Next Kim Kardashian
With a hint of regret, Belle shared on the radio that she had thought back on her decision many times. “I was like, ‘I could’ve been the next Kim Kardashian!’” Belle exclaimed and laughed. She reflected on this moment because Kanye and Kim Kardashian later became one of entertainment’s most iconic couples, with nearly a decade-long marriage and four children together.
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Kyle Sandilands playfully teased Belle about the incident, asking if she remembered any quirky details about Kanye, such as his “breath,” possibly referencing issues related to Kanye’s titanium veneers. Belle didn’t recall any specifics but revealed that Kanye “was heaps shorter than I thought.”
The Ivy and the Secrets Surrounding Level 6
Belle’s story became even more intriguing amidst recent rumors about The Ivy’s Level 6, an exclusive VIP area with a membership fee of up to $10,000 per year. Some former employees revealed that Level 6 was known for hosting many discreet activities, with young female staff often pressured into entertaining wealthy and powerful clients.
A source from Nine Newspapers reported that Level 6 staff were often encouraged to accept drinks from guests, making it hard to say no. Young women employed there, aged 18 to 21, were promised luxury gifts like Gucci bags and generous tips if they pleased the guests. Some staff have spoken about being coerced into drinking and enduring unwanted pressures.
Merivale, the company behind The Ivy, stated they take these allegations very seriously but had no official records of the incidents.
Kanye’s Continued Career and Relationship with Kim
Following this encounter, Kanye West’s career reached new heights, including his relationship with Kim Kardashian in 2012. Together, they had four children and formed a famous family, though their marriage ended in 2022. Kanye later married Bianca Censori, an Australian Yeezy employee, in the same year.
Belle’s brief encounter with Kanye West, though it didn’t lead to a deeper relationship, remains a memorable story, and she jokingly shared that she could have been “the next Kim Kardashian” had she accepted Kanye’s invitation. Though a fleeting moment, this encounter left Belle reflecting on life choices and an unusual romantic brush with an international star.
