Fashion
Kendrick’s flared jeans, other fashion from Super Bowl halftime show
In the words of Kendrick Lamar: “You can’t fake the influence.” His alluring Super Bowl Halftime performance in New Orleans was monumental for hip-hop and the culture.
Since Sunday night’s show, fans have been unpacking the symbolism, the notable moderation from Samuel L. Jackson, SZA’s guest appearance, and the jabs at Drake −including a Crip-walking cameo from tennis icon and Compton’s own Serena Williams and a jaw-dropping rendition of the smash diss record “Not Like Us.”
Social media, for the most part, has raved about the hip-hop star’s presentation. However, aside from Lamar’s showmanship and conversation-starting easter eggs, fans pointed out that he excelled in another area: fashion. The Pulitzer Prize-winning rapper’s 2000s-esque flare jeans took over the internet, and many called on him to drop the link.
“So are we gonna bring back the flare jean since Kendrick did or what? I’ve been waiting years for this,” one person wrote on X.
Another person agreed: I’m still not over Kendrick’s flare jeans I simply must lock in.”
Here are some fashion highlights from the halftime show of Super Bowl 59:
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Kendrick Lamar’s Celine flare jeans are the moment
Lamar popped out and showed out in a custom leather varsity jacket by Martine Rose. The front had the word “Gloria” written in bold red letters, an ode to the last song on his album “GNX.” The introspective closing track sheds light on the convoluted relationship with his “pen” and the power of his craft.
The blue jacket’s intricate details include patches of the word “Compton,” Lamar’s hometown, and pgLang, a company founded by the rapper and his business partner Dave Free.
Many people speculated that his iced-out “a” chain was a nod to his famous “a minor” line in “Not Like Us” which was recited by a roaring crowd in the stadium. However, as Complex reported, it appears that it may be connected to his company’s branding.
The topic of conversation was his flared Celine jeans by Hedi Slimane, which became the center of viral tweets and memes.
He also rocked white-and-black Nike Air DT Max 96’s and a $68K Rahaminov brooch on his cap, according to Sports Illustrated and People Magazine.
Lamar was styled by Taylor McNeill, an international stylist who has worked with other celebrities like rapper Baby Keem, actor Timothée Chalamet, and singer Charlie XCX.
Samuel L. Jackson embodied his ‘Uncle Sam’ character in a star-studded suit
“Salutations,” veteran actor Samuel L. Jackson said, welcoming viewers to the Halftime Show.
He made a cameo in Lamar’s performance as “Uncle Sam,” donning a custom red, white, and blue top hat and suit from BODE, a luxury menswear brand.
“The three-piece suit and overcoat are cut from Italian wool suiting, with hand-embroidered stars studding the lapels and bow tie, and a hat trimmed with suede,” the brand explained in an Instagram post. “His look is an homage to Uncle Sam and illustrations from the early nineteenth century.”
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SZA stood out in an all-red outfit for an angelic performance
SZA, born Solána Imani Rowe, stunned in a monochromatic-red ensemble with hair to match to accompany Lamar on their hits “Luther” and “All The Stars.” Alejandra LaPilusa styled her custom outfit.
According to her stylist, the songstress donned a bornxraised leather “Crybaby” work shirt, leather Ashton Michael pants, a belt from Luis Cendeja, and Converse sneakers. She also wore a custom diamond tennis necklace that said, “Lana.”
SZA’s makeup artist for the show, Deanna Paley, told ELLE that the Grammy award-winning singer wanted her makeup to feel authentic to herself: “We kept her signature elements—like the sultry cat eye, flawless sculpted skin, and a soft babydoll blush—to maintain her essence while ensuring she looked radiant under the stadium lights.”
Taylor Ardrey is a news reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her at tardrey@gannett.com.
