Kanye West with Bianca Censori at the Grammy Awards 2025. ARCHIVE

Kanye West’s 2025 Grammy Awards appearance alongside Bianca Censori has reignited discussions about control in relationships, particularly through the lens of the Pygmalion relationship dynamic where one partner attempts to mould the other into their ideal version rather than accepting them as they are. Kanye has a well-documented history of shaping his partners’ public personas, from his time with Kim Kardashian, whom he famously rebranded into a high-fashion icon, to his current wife, Bianca, whose extreme wardrobe transformation has led to growing concern. Dr. LaShandra Batiste-Manary, a relationship expert at Liquid London, explains: “A Pygmalion relationship occurs when one partner dictates how the other should look, behave, or exist in the world, often under the guise of 'improvement’ or ‘inspiration.’ While fashion influence is normal in relationships, when one person completely reinvents their identity to match their partner’s vision, it can indicate a loss of autonomy rather than personal growth.” Bianca’s Grammy outfit, a sheer, see-through slip mirrored Kanye’s album artwork for ‘Vultures 1,’ raising questions about whether this transformation is her choice or if she is being fashioned into a living reflection of Kanye’s creative vision.

Warning signs of a Pygmalion relationship

Dr. Batiste-Manary outlines key warning signs that someone may be experiencing this dynamic include a sudden and extreme transformation in style, personality, or behaviour that seems dictated by their partner rather than self-driven. It also includes feeling pressured to meet a partner’s expectations in ways that compromise personal comfort. Pygmalion relationship is also characterized by the partner taking credit for “improving” or “fixing” them rather than celebrating their individuality and losing independence, or the partner serving as a gatekeeper to their social or professional world. The body language often  suggests discomfort, submission, or hesitation in public interactions. While only Bianca can speak about her relationship dynamics, Kanye’s repeated pattern of “reinventing”’ his partners raises serious questions about autonomy, identity, and control. Dr. Batiste-Manary adds: “A healthy relationship empowers both individuals to be the best versions of themselves, not a curated extension of their partner’s artistic vision. If someone finds themselves being ‘moulded’ rather than mutually growing, it may be time to question whether they are being loved for who they are or for who their partner wants them to be.” ICA/Expat Media
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