Kanye West's latest foray into the modelling world caused controversy after models "fainted" as they were forced to stand in blazing heat for hours wearing leotards and bodysuits.

Witnesses said onlookers had to give the struggling models water as they sat on the ground after being left waiting in the sun.

As part of New York Fashion Week, the rapper invited guests to see his Yeezy Season Four collection.

But rather than base it in central New York, West bused guests out to Roosevelt Island, a journey some described as feeling like they had been "kidnapped".

Once at the grassy knoll where the show was to take place, they were greeted by models wearing beige and black leotards, bodysuits and other clingy, revealing garments.

But forced to wait for the delayed show to begin, many guests took refuge in the shade while the models stood out in the sun.

Stella Bugbee, editorial director of fashion site The Cut, detailed the "endurance test", as she described the show, in a series of tweets.

She said struggling models had to be given water by members of the audience, while others struggled on the runway.

The show was attended by West along with his wife Kim Kardashian and two of her famous sisters, Kendall and Kylie Jenner. A number of other famous faces were also spotted in the audience.

Once the show got underway, footage posted on social media appeared to suggest some models had difficulty walking down the runway.

Getting to the show seemed to be no easier, as guests were bused from Manhattan to Roosevelt Island.

They were said to have received an email invite asking them to get a bus to the show at an "undisclosed location", with New York Times style reporter Matthew Schneier tweeting that it had the feel of a "school field trip".

However, some people seemed unhappy with how long it took to get to the destination and at the mystery surrounding the trip.

Gerald Flores, editor-in-chief of Sole Collector, tweeted someone said they felt they were being "kidnapped", while others said they were "so unhappy".

Upon arrival, guests had to wait in line to get inside before being told there was a delayed start time.

West is yet to comment following the show.