Kanye West has split with his fiancé Alexis Phifer after 18 months of engagement.
However, fashion designer Phifer told People.com that the pair still remain friends. She said: "It's always sad when things like this end. I wish him the best in his future and all of his endeavours. He's one of the most talented people I've ever met."
West and Phifer announced their engagement last year and were planning to wed last Christmas when the rap star's mother Donda died in November.
Rumours spread that the couple was secretly married over Christmas, but these proved not to be true.
A source told People.com that the couple had been experiencing problems for some time. They said: "They'd been having problems. Kanye is really focused on his (live) show; he's putting everything into the show right now.
"Alexis is a nice girl, but Kanye has been going through a rough time. They hit a rough patch and for now they've split."
Phifer has just launched her clothing line, Ghita.
